SA-BEST Connie Bonaros Leads Progressive Deepfake Reforms

South Australia is set to take an important step forward in explicitly outlawing AI-generated deepfakes, as SA-BEST MLC Connie Bonaros takes her proposed legislation to a vote in Parliament today.

The Summary Offences (Invasive Images and Depictions) Amendment Bill 2024, introduced by Connie and strengthened in collaboration with the state government, will create tough new offences criminalising  the creation, distribution, or threat to distribute humiliating, degrading or invasive deepfake content.

Offenders could face penalties of up to four years' jail or fines of up to $20,000 under the new laws, the strongest of their kind in Australia.

Connie said the reforms were urgently needed to close dangerous loopholes in South Australia's existing laws, which were not equipped to deal with entirely AI-generated abusive content.

"For too long, our laws have lagged behind technology. Victims of deepfake abuse have been left exposed, traumatised, and without real protection," Connie Bonaros said.

"These reforms send a powerful message: no matter how content is created, if it humiliates, degrades or invades someone’s dignity without consent, it will not be tolerated."

Current estimates suggest 90–95% of all deepfakes are non-consensual pornography, with 99% of victims being women. The eSafety Commissioner reports that explicit deepfake content online has grown by 550% year on year since 2019.

Connie said while strong legislation is crucial, education will be just as important to creating lasting cultural change.

"Make no mistake: deepfake abuse is fast becoming one of the most serious threats facing women and young people online. These laws make it clear, South Australia will not stand by while technology is weaponised to humiliate and harm."

"Young people in particular need to know: creating or sharing deepfakes is not harmless, it's not funny. It’s illegal, and it causes real harm. We need to drive that message home as hard as the laws themselves."

"This legislation is a critical deterrent, but it must be backed by a dedicated education campaign, just like we saw with sexting," she said.

Connie paid tribute to the collaborative efforts with Attorney-General Kyam Maher and Assistant Minister for Artificial Intelligence Michael Brown, who played a critical role in law reform in this area for the government.

"When I first raised these concerns in Parliament, it was clear this was bigger than any single party or member. I’m proud we were able to work together to prioritise the safety and dignity of South Australians," she said.

"This is about real justice for real harm. It’s about giving power back to victims. And it’s about ensuring our laws keep pace with the realities of the digital world."

The new laws complement existing protections against image-based abuse and mark a major step forward in ensuring South Australians are shielded from emerging forms of digital violence.

ENDS