Australia to enforce stricter measures against AI-generated child abuse material in search engines
Australia proposes legislation to force search engines like Google and Bing to address the rise in child abuse content generated by AI.
Highlights
- Australia proposes legislation to force searches to remove the rise in child abuse content by AI
- The govt also aims to block synthetic versions, known as deep fakes, on search engines
- The regulator has issued safety measures for various internet services
Australia has proposed new legislation that will force search engines like Google and Bing to take quick action as part of a big effort to tackle the worrying surge in the development and transmission of child abuse content produced by artificial intelligence (AI).
The Australian internet regulator, e-Safety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, revealed on Friday that these industry giants have drafted a new code at the government's request. The code aims to ensure that search engines not only prevent the sharing of AI-generated child sexual abuse material but also block synthetic versions, known as deep fakes.
Cracking down on AI-generated content
The rapid expansion of generative AI, a technology capable of producing lifelike content, has taken the world by surprise, according to Inman Grant. The new code represents a critical step in reshaping the regulatory and legal landscape surrounding internet platforms in response to this growing concern.
Google & Bing fail to address AI-generated content
Previously, Google and Microsoft-owned Bing had drafted a code that did not encompass AI-generated content. Recognising the urgency of addressing this gap, Inman Grant urged the industry giants to reevaluate their approach.
"When the biggest players in the industry announced they would integrate generative AI into their search functions, we had a draft code that was clearly no longer fit for purpose. We asked the industry to have another go."
Industry collaboration for enhanced safeguards
The Digital Industry Group Inc., an Australian advocacy organisation comprising members such as Google and Microsoft, expressed its satisfaction with the newly approved code. A spokesperson for the group stated, "We worked hard to reflect recent developments in relation to generative AI, codifying best practices for the industry and providing further community safeguards."
Future steps in ensuring online safety
Earlier this year, the regulator registered safety codes for various internet services, including social media, smartphone applications, and equipment providers. These codes are set to take effect in late 2023. However, the regulator is still in the process of developing safety codes for internet storage and private messaging services, which have encountered resistance from privacy advocates globally.
With these new regulations, Australia aims to safeguard the online environment and protect vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of such content.
