Creating sexually explicit deepfake AI images of real people without their consent will be outlawed in Queensland.
Attorney General Deb Frecklington announced the plan for new legislation at Parliament House on Sunday.
“This is for the people who have had their images weaponised against them, for the teachers who’ve been subjected to heinous cyberbullying, and for the victims across Queensland who have been told there is nothing that can be done,” she told reporters.
It is presently illegal to distribute such material, but there is no legislation prohibiting creation. Frecklington described the existing gap in legislation as a loophole.
“AI and the increase in the technology … we all need to make sure we’re keeping pace with it,” she said.
Under the proposed law, offenders would face up to three years behind bars.
The government will consult experts in the education, legal, sexual violence and online safety sectors from April. It aims to begin the legislative process midyear.
Labor shadow minister Grace Grace said on Sunday the opposition “welcomed” the legislation and would consider its merits.
“Because [of] the changes in technology, it is important that we review legislation and we’re always open to that,” she told reporters in East Brisbane.
“We will look at that in a very calm and methodical way, to ensure of course that laws are kept up to date.”
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