A Gold Coast man has been charged over alleged AI generated child abuse material, sourced from innocent victims’ social media accounts.
Australian Federal Police have been investigating the 41-year-old since February after finding thousands of alleged files on his phone after he arrived back into Brisbane International Airport.
“It will be alleged the child abuse material was generated using artificial intelligence to digitally sexualize and “nudify” images of clothed children sourced from social media accounts, including images of at least three children located in Australia,” The AFP said.
Investigators executed a search warrant at the man’s Arundel home on Wednesday and seized two mobile phones, which will be subject to further forensic examination.
The man was arrested and charged with one count of making child exploitation material, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment.
WATCH:
AFP Detective Superintendent Frank Rayner said the rise of AI was creating new challenges for law enforcement, but the AFP remained committed to protecting children from online harm.
“As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our everyday technology, we are seeing a rise in its’ misuse to create extreme and unlawful sexual depictions of children,” Det-Supt Rayner said.
“The creation, possession or distribution of any form of child abuse material, whether real or AI-generated, is illegal and will not be tolerated.
“To those abusing this technology, be warned that the AFP will investigate and bring you before the court.”
