According to an article on Greenberg Traurig, the Australian government has introduced new legislation targeting the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the growing issue of digital harassment and abuse. The legislation aims to impose strict penalties on individuals and organizations that produce or share deepfake content without the consent of the depicted individuals.

The article explains that deepfakes, which are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence (AI), have become increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. This has raised significant concerns about their potential misuse, particularly in the context of non-consensual pornography and the defamation of individuals. The new laws will require platforms to take proactive measures to detect and remove such content, as well as to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting offenders.

The legislation also includes provisions for the support and protection of victims. This includes establishing a dedicated helpline and support services for individuals affected by deepfake pornography, as well as providing legal recourse for victims to seek damages. The government has emphasized the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate the community about the risks and legal implications of creating and sharing deepfake content.

Furthermore, the article highlights the role of technology companies in developing advanced tools for detecting and preventing the spread of deepfakes. Collaborative efforts between the government, industry, and academia are essential to create robust solutions that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving capabilities of AI. The Australian government is also advocating for international cooperation to address the global nature of the deepfake problem.