Australia has introduced new online safety regulations that mandate internet search engines like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo to take necessary actions to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material created by artificial intelligence (AI). This move comes after the eSafety commissioner postponed the implementation of a previous version of the code when Microsoft and Google integrated AI functionalities into their search engine services.
According to the code, these search engines are required to implement “appropriate steps” to combat the dissemination of child exploitation content, including “synthetic” images generated by AI. The rapid growth of generative AI caught regulators off guard, as acknowledged by eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
Grant believes that the collaboration between regulators and technology companies highlights the potential for making the internet safer. She commends the industry for delivering a code that will protect all Australians who utilize their search engine products.
Earlier this year, the BBC reported that pedophiles have been using AI software called Stable Diffusion to produce and distribute realistic child sexual abuse material on content-sharing platforms like Patreon. This alarming trend underscores the urgency to address the issue.
In addition to these regulations, Australia’s eSafety commissioner is currently drafting two new codes to regulate online storage services such as iCloud and OneDrive, as well as private messaging services. However, efforts by governments to increase oversight of cloud and messaging services have faced opposition from tech companies and privacy advocates.
Nevertheless, the Australian government remains committed to combatting child exploitation. Breaches of the online safety codes can result in civil penalties, demonstrating the seriousness of the issue at hand.
FAQs:
1. What are the new regulations in Australia?
The new regulations require search engines like Google and Bing to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material created by artificial intelligence.
2. Which search engines are affected by these regulations?
Major search engines such as Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo are required to comply with the regulations.
3. Why were the regulations introduced?
The regulations were introduced in response to the rapid growth of generative AI, which has facilitated the creation and dissemination of synthetic child exploitation material.
4. What other measures is Australia taking to combat online child exploitation?
In addition to the search engine regulations, Australia’s eSafety commissioner is drafting codes to regulate online storage services and private messaging services.
Sources:
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