Australia Makes Deepfake Porn Illegal

The Australian government has introduced the Criminal Code Amendment (Deepfake Sexual Material) Bill 2024, aimed at combating the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating non-consensual pornographic content. The bill, which was accepted on August 21, imposes severe penalties, including up to six years in prison for individuals who share deepfake sexual material that exploits a victim's likeness. This legislation enhances existing laws and introduces a new aggravated offence specifically for the distribution of such content. Labor Senator Murray Watt emphasized that the new offences are grounded in a consent model, addressing both artificial and real sexual material. The bill also extends to the sharing of genuine images without consent, reflecting a comprehensive approach to protecting individuals from exploitation. However, concerns were raised by Shadow Attorney-General Michaelia Cash regarding the potential for victims to face cross-examination in court, highlighting the complexities involved in prosecuting these cases. The deepfake legislation is part of a broader government initiative to tackle cyberbullying and online harm, which includes increased funding for the eSafety Commissioner and a review of the Online Safety Act. A parliamentary inquiry revealed that a staggering 90 to 95 percent of deepfakes are linked to non-consensual pornography, predominantly affecting women. Senator Kerrynne Liddle called for greater public awareness, noting that many Australians are unfamiliar with deepfakes. She stressed the importance of educating young people about the dangers and ethical implications of such technology to prevent them from becoming victims or perpetrators.