Australian government to restrict access to abusive technologies

2/9/2025 13:36

The Australian government announced on Tuesday that it will move to restrict access to abusive technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable of generating sexually explicit images.



Anika Wells, the minister for communications, said on Tuesday that the government will work closely with the technology industry to restrict access to undetectable online stalking tools and AI apps that can generate sexually explicit deepfake content.



"There is a place for AI and legitimate tracking technology in Australia, but there is no place for apps and technologies that are used solely to abuse, humiliate and harm people, especially our children," Wells said in a statement.



"This is too important for us not to act. Abusive technologies are widely and easily accessible and are causing real and irreparable damage now."



She said that the crackdown would complement existing laws that prohibit stalking and the non-consensual distribution of sexually explicit materials.



Like Australia's ban on children younger than 16 accessing social media platforms, which will come into effect in December, the new laws will place the onus on restricting access to the abusive tools on technology companies.