Australia moves to stamp out 'nudify' and stalking apps

Australia has announced plans to ban apps used for stalking and creating deepfake nudes. Tech platforms will be responsible for preventing access to "nudify" and undetectable online stalking tools under the reforms announced on Tuesday by the Australian government. Minister for Communications Anika Wells said Australia would work with firms to stamp out "abhorrent technologies" while ensuring "legitimate and consent-based" artificial intelligence (AI) and online tracking services were not adversely affected. "Abusive technologies are widely and easily accessible and are causing real and irreparable damage now," Wells said in a statement. "These new, evolving, technologies require a new, proactive, approach to harm prevention – and we'll work closely with industry to achieve this." "While this move won't eliminate the problem of abusive technology in one fell swoop, alongside existing laws and our world-leading online safety reforms, it will make a real difference in protecting Australians," she added.