The Rise of AI-Related Crime

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to evolve, so too does the scope of its misuse. While AI has the potential to bring numerous benefits, it has also given rise to new forms of crime, from privacy violations to harmful AI-generated content. These offenses affect individuals across Australia, including places such as Gold Coast, Rockhampton, Hobart, and Toowoomba.

If you’ve found yourself involved in or impacted by an AI-related incident—whether as a victim or someone accused of a crime—it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. Here, we break down some of the most common AI-related offenses and how the law protects you.

Recent rise in use of applications

A site called “Clothoff” is using artificial intelligence to generate explicit images of real people, often without their consent. It is causing fake images to be posted to social media, harming those who are victims of this website and similar. Clothoff turns any photo of a person into an explicit image by stripping the clothing. Users can pay the service for different services and can even request pictures in different poses.

Common AI-Related Crimes: How They Impact You

Understanding common AI-related offenses is critical for both victims and those facing accusations. These crimes can range from privacy violations to defamation and harassment, with distinct legal implications. Here are some examples:

  1. Non-Consensual Content

AI tools have made it easier to generate explicit images or videos, sometimes using people’s likenesses without their consent. If you are accused of creating or distributing such content, it’s important to understand the legal consequences, which may include charges of harassment or image-based abuse.

  1. Defamation

AI is capable of producing content—like videos, images, and text—that can damage someone’s reputation. This might include false statements or manipulated images that appear to be real. Defending yourself against defamation charges requires a thorough analysis of the evidence and an understanding of the technology behind these AI creations.

  1. Online Harassment and Cyberbullying

AI can be used to perpetrate harassment or cyberbullying by automating abusive messages, spreading harmful rumors, or generating offensive images.

  1. Privacy Breaches

AI technologies can be used to access, scrape, and manipulate personal data, leading to privacy violations.

Steps to Take If You’re Facing AI-Related Charges

If you’re facing accusations related to AI misuse, acting quickly is critical. Here’s what you should do to protect your rights:

  1. Document Evidence: Collect any relevant evidence, such as screenshots, communication logs, or files related to the alleged offense.
  2. Report the Incident: If you’re the victim of an AI-related crime, such as image-based abuse or privacy violation, it’s essential to report the offense to the relevant authorities, such as the eSafety Commissioner or Queensland Police.
  3. Consult with a Criminal Defence Lawyer: If you’re accused of AI-related criminal activity, seeking legal advice is vital. A defence attorney can evaluate your case, help protect your rights, and guide you through the legal process.

Our team are experts in criminal law. Our role is to sit down with you and work out the strategy that will get you the best possible result. If you have any questions about this article or any other topic of law, please call our team of experts on 1300 066 669.