A South Australian man, William Hamish Yeates, has become the first individual charged under a new federal law targeting deepfake adult pornography. The 19-year-old faces eight counts of creating or altering sexual material without consent, a federal offense established in 2024. Despite concerns from authorities about the proliferation of AI-generated explicit content, Yeates has not yet entered a plea. A recent report revealed 14.6% of Australian respondents experienced non-consensual sexualized imagery, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures. New legislation imposes severe penalties, including up to seven years’ imprisonment for creating or sharing non-consensual deepfake material. Experts like Professor Asher Flynn emphasize the dangers of easily accessible AI tools, which can normalize harmful behaviors, particularly against women. Additionally, the eSafety watchdog has reported a troubling rise in reports of digitally altered intimate images involving minors. Emphasis on digital citizenship and respectful education is essential. For more online safety resources, visit esafety.gov.au.
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