Australia AI Abuse Laws will force tech firms to block deepfake nudes and stalking tools under sweeping safety reforms
The government announced Tuesday that it would compel tech companies to restrict access to so-called “nudify” apps—AI tools that strip clothing from images or generate fake sexualized content.
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These tools are increasingly being used for sextortion scams and the abuse of children.
“There is no place for apps and technologies that are used solely to abuse, humiliate and harm people, especially our children,” said Communications Minister Anika Wells.
Australia plans to use “every lever” available to enforce restrictions, shifting responsibility onto tech giants to actively prevent this kind of abuse on their platforms.
While no timeline has been announced, legislation is in development, according to officials.
The move follows disturbing global trends. A Save the Children survey revealed that 1 in 5 young people in Spain have already fallen victim to deepfake nudes, with many images shared without consent.
Similar cases involving students creating sexualized images of classmates have emerged in schools and universities around the world.
Australia has positioned itself as a global leader in online safety reform.
In November, it passed some of the world’s toughest social media laws, banning users under 16 and threatening companies with fines of up to AU$49.5 million for non-compliance.
Tech companies have criticized the measures as vague and rushed, but a new government-commissioned study claims age verification can be done “privately, efficiently and effectively.”
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As the rapid evolution of AI gives rise to new forms of digital abuse, the Australia AI Abuse Laws aim to create meaningful protections—especially for vulnerable children—through decisive legal and industry action.
Source: Read more at gazettengr.com
Maryam Idris is a reporter and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
