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This legislation, the Deepfake Sexual Material, targets non-consensual sexually explicit deepfakes by introducing strict criminal penalties for those who create and distribute them.
Australia enacted this law in June 2024 to combat digital abuse and gender-based violence.
The legislation focuses on individuals who misuse artificial intelligence to manipulate explicit content without obtaining consent. Now, offenders face harsh consequences, including potential imprisonment for up to six years for sharing such material and up to seven years for creating and sharing it.
The government has implemented new legislation to address the misuse of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in creating sexually explicit material without consent.
Under these laws, the Commonwealth Criminal Code establishes specific criminal offences. The legislation defines deepfakes clearly, referring to content that digitally manipulates or fabricates individuals to inaccurately depict them in sexually explicit scenarios.
Experts widely acknowledge these actions as a serious violation of personal privacy and a type of mistreatment that primarily impacts women and girls. These actions reinforce harmful gender stereotypes, thereby contributing to the broader problem of gender-based violence.
In response to the increasing concerns surrounding the misuse of deepfake technology in sexually explicit contexts, lawmakers have introduced these laws.
The Minister for Communications stated, “Digitally created and altered sexually explicit material shared without consent is a damaging and deeply distressing form of abuse.”
The legislation will address this contemporary threat by enacting robust legal measures. The Australian Human Rights Commission endorses the legislation, acknowledging its crucial role in protecting individuals from technology-facilitated abuse.
Read also: Australian businesses enhance resilience with advanced AI protection
The government’s comprehensive approach to addressing gender-based violence and promoting online safety takes a crucial step with this legislative action.
The additional funding for the eSafety Commissioner and the expedited review of the Online Safety Act enhance other initiatives. Furthermore, the government has pledged to address associated harmful practices, such as doxxing, and to strengthen privacy safeguards in the digital sphere.
The Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024 is a significant milestone in protecting Australians from the detrimental impact of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfakes.
The legislation imposes harsh penalties, including up to seven years of imprisonment, on those who create and distribute harmful content, sending a strong message. The government demonstrates its commitment to tackling the misuse of artificial intelligence that perpetuates digital abuse.
To effectively tackle the intricate realm of digital threats, we must incorporate legal measures like these into comprehensive digital strategies. Australia needs to take a proactive approach with the rapid advancement of technology, ensuring that it keeps its legal and strategic frameworks up to date with the ever-evolving risks.
The government showcases a holistic approach to digital safety that goes beyond just quick legislative solutions by improving the Online Safety Act and providing additional funding for the eSafety Commissioner.
This post was also published on Public Spectrum. See here.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
