Deepfake Crisis in Australian Schools: Students and Teachers Targeted

Deepfakes in Australian Schools: A Growing Crisis Australia is grappling with a concerning rise in deepfake incidents targeting school children. The eSafety Commissioner's recent figures reveal a shocking reality: hundreds of children under 12 and thousands aged 13-17 have reported being victims of image-based abuse, often involving AI-generated content. This includes the creation and distribution of non-consensual nude images and videos of classmates and teachers. "Six schools in Australia have already been hit with deepfake scandals," states The Advertiser, highlighting the scale of the problem. Cyber safety facilitator Don Feeling adds, "These cases are the tip of the iceberg, and kids don't see the consequences straight away." The lack of awareness among children about the long-term implications of these actions is a significant concern. In response, schools are actively updating their lesson plans to address the risks of AI and deepfakes. The government is also working on legislation to make creating and distributing sexualised AI-generated images an offense. This proactive approach is crucial in protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable. The hope is that through education and stricter laws, Australia can effectively curb this growing crisis and ensure the safety of its students.