It can be mentioned that the Australian government has revealed its intention to implement a ban on applications used for stalking and the creation of deepfake nudes. This initiative forms part of a broader set of reforms aimed at regulating online technologies to mitigate harm. Wells indicated that while the new measures would not completely solve the issue of abusive technology, they would significantly enhance the protection of Australians when combined with existing legislation and the nation’s robust online safety reforms. The plan is to develop a new industry code, backed by law, that would require tech companies to restrict access to these harmful applications. The eSafety Commissioner will enforce the new code for non-compliance.
Furthermore, the growing prevalence of AI-generated sexually explicit images of individuals without their consent is a significant concern. It should be legally advised that the proliferation of platforms capable of producing photorealistic content with minimal effort has exacerbated this issue. A recent survey conducted by the U.S.-based advocacy group Thorn provides a stark illustration of the problem’s scale. The survey, which involved 1,200 young people, found that 10 percent of respondents knew someone who had been a victim of deepfake nude imagery, and 6 percent had been directly victimized themselves. The government’s reforms aim to address a disturbing trend in digital abuse, which this data highlights.
Australia has also implemented the world’s first ban on minors using social media. This landmark legislation mandates social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent individuals under the age of 16 from creating or maintaining an account, and it is scheduled to come into effect by the end of the year. It should also be pointed out that the failure to comply with this ban could result in substantial fines, potentially reaching up to 49.5 million Australian dollars ($32 million).
The targeting of both AI-driven content and stalking applications, the reforms aim to tackle two of the most insidious forms of online abuse. It should be identified that the collaborative approach with tech platforms, as the minister suggests, is a strategy that balances enforcement with industry cooperation. Moreover, it can be highlighted that the government’s actions are holding technology companies more accountable for the content and tools they host, reflecting a growing recognition of the significant societal impact of digital platforms.
The proposed legislation is a clear signal that Australia is positioning itself as a leader in online safety and harm prevention. The emphasis on prevention, rather than merely reacting to incidents, is a key component of this strategy. The reforms are a testament to the government’s determination to protect its citizens from digital harm and to create an online world that is more secure and respectful for everyone.
