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A 58-year-old man from NSW’s South Coast has been charged with allegedly producing AI-generated child abuse material.
In addition, the man was found to be in possession of bestiality material.
The man was selected for a baggage examination after arriving back in the country at Sydney Airport, when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers discovered child abuse material in a digital device in the man’s possession.
The ABF informed the Australian Federal Police (AFP), which further examined the device, confirming the existence of the material, which appeared to feature the man.
The man was charged with two offences and granted bail on 4 August. The AFP and NSW Police Force officers executed a search warrant at the man’s home on 8 August, where they found more than 1,000 images and videos featuring children as young as one-year-old alongside bestiality material.
The man was subsequently charged with further offences and will appear in Parramatta Local Court on 30 September.
“Online simulations, fantasy, text-based stories, animations and cartoons, or material which is created using AI are all illegal,” AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Luke Needham said in a 14 August statement released by the AFP, ABF, and NSW Police Force.
“Producing and possessing this material, even by AI, normalises this behaviour and contributes to the harm of children.
“The AFP and its partners will not rest until alleged perpetrators are apprehended and put before the courts.”
The man was charged with one count each of possessing or controlling child abuse material obtained or accessed using a carriage service, producing child abuse material, possessing child abuse material, possessing bestiality material, and failing to comply with a bail acknowledgement.
If found guilty of all counts, the alleged perpetrator could face a prison sentence of 40 years in prison.
ABF Superintendent Elke West said the seizure and destruction of material is a key part of protecting children from predators.
“All child abuse material is abhorrent, and ABF officers are detecting and identifying this depraved content at the border on a regular basis,” Superintendent West said.
“The ABF prioritises intelligence-driven data and targeting to stop offenders in their tracks.
“The alleged possession and digital AI-curation of this content is highly concerning, and a trend our officers at entry points across the country are extremely vigilant of.”
Members of the public who have information about people involved in child abuse are urged to contact the ACCCE. If you know abuse is happening right now or a child is at risk, call police immediately on 000.
If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation, support services are available.
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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