Tue Sep 02 07:40:20 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Australia is introducing new regulations that hold tech platforms accountable for preventing access to technologies used for online stalking and creating deepfake nude images without consent. The government aims to collaborate with tech companies to eliminate “abhorrent technologies” while protecting legitimate AI and tracking services. This move builds upon existing online safety reforms and seeks to address the growing problem of abusive technologies, particularly AI-generated non-consensual pornography. This action comes after surveys revealed the alarming prevalence of deepfake abuse, and aligns with Australia’s broader efforts to curb online harm, including a ban on social media for minors.
**News Article:**
**Australia to Ban Apps Used for Stalking, Deepfake Nudes; Tech Platforms to be Held Responsible**
CANBERRA – The Australian government has announced new regulations aimed at combating online abuse by holding tech platforms accountable for preventing access to technologies used for stalking and generating deepfake nude images without consent.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells stated that Australia will collaborate with tech companies to eliminate “abhorrent technologies” such as “nudify” apps and undetectable online stalking tools. The government aims to ensure that “legitimate and consent-based” artificial intelligence (AI) and online tracking services are not adversely affected by the reforms.
“Abusive technologies are widely and easily accessible and are causing real and irreparable damage now,” Minister Wells said. “These new, evolving technologies require a new, proactive approach to harm prevention – and we’ll work closely with industry to achieve this.”
The move comes amid growing concerns about the use of AI to create non-consensual sexually explicit images. A recent survey by the advocacy group Thorn found that a significant number of young people have either personally known someone or been a direct victim of deepfake abuse.
The new regulations build upon Australia’s existing online safety reforms, including the world’s first ban on social media use by minors, set to take effect by the end of the year. Under the ban, social media platforms will face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million ($32 million USD) if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts.
The government believes that these comprehensive measures will make a significant difference in protecting Australians from online harm.
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