Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has given her nod to an industry code that mandates search engine operators to protect against risks arising from generative AI.
The newly approved code is designed to prevent class 1 material, including child sexual abuse content generated with AI, from appearing in search results. It also ensures that AI integrated into search engines cannot synthesize such harmful material.
The decision to register this code comes after the eSafety Commissioner prompted the sector to reevaluate its protections earlier this year. This move was necessitated by Microsoft and Google’s announcements of integrating generative AI capabilities into their search engines.
Expanded Scope for Search Engines
Search engine services like Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Yahoo are now required to implement safeguards to prevent generative AI functionality from producing synthetic versions of child abuse content.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant acknowledged that the rapid growth of generative AI had caught the industry off guard. She commended the industry for delivering a code that upholds community safety expectations.
The revised code is expected to come into effect six months after registration. This provides search engine operators with a transition period to incorporate the necessary protective measures.
Ongoing Development
In addition to this code, two other industry codes are currently in the works. These pertain to designated internet services, including file and photo storage services like iCloud and OneDrive, as well as relevant electronic services, such as private messaging platforms. These standards aim to tackle inappropriate content targeting children.
The eSafety Commissioner’s approval underscores Australia’s commitment to ensuring the responsible use of AI technology in online platforms.