Government to Crack Down on Deepfake and Stalking Apps

The federal government is moving to restrict access to artificial intelligence apps that generate sexually explicit deepfake images and undetectable digital stalking tools, as part of its latest cyber safety push.

Communications Minister Anika Wells said the measures aim to close legal gaps and prevent technology from being weaponised to harm vulnerable Australians.

"There is no place for apps designed solely to abuse, humiliate or harm people, especially children," Ms Wells said. "Abusive technologies are already widespread, easily accessible, and causing serious and lasting harm. This is too important for us not to act."

While the reforms will not completely eradicate harmful technology, the minister said they would build on existing laws and the government's broader online safety framework to better protect Australians.

Similar to the planned ban on social media for under-16s, the responsibility will fall on technology companies to ensure these abusive apps are not available to users.

The move follows laws introduced last year that criminalised the sharing of deepfake pornography, with offenders facing penalties of up to six years in prison.