Google has informed Australian regulators that it received over 250 complaints globally between April 2023 and February 2024, indicating that its AI technology, specifically the Gemini model, was being used to create deepfake terrorism content. Additionally, the company reported dozens of complaints regarding the use of Gemini to generate child abuse material, according to the Australian eSafety Commission.
Under Australian law, tech companies are required to periodically report their harm minimization efforts to the eSafety Commission, or risk facing fines. This reporting period marks the first disclosure of such data, which regulators have described as a “world-first insight” into how AI is being exploited for harmful and illegal purposes.
The Australian eSafety Commission emphasized the importance of companies developing AI products to implement safeguards to prevent the generation of harmful material. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant stated that the findings highlight the critical need for effective protective measures.
According to Google’s report, it received 258 user complaints about AI-generated deepfake terrorist or extremist content created with Gemini, along with 86 reports concerning AI-generated child exploitation or abuse material. However, the company did not specify how many of these complaints were verified.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company does not allow the generation or distribution of illegal content, including material related to terrorism, child exploitation, or other abuses. Google also noted that the number of reports provided to eSafety represents the total global volume of complaints, not confirmed policy violations.
While Google uses a system called “hatch-matching” to identify and remove child abuse content generated with Gemini, the company did not apply the same system to detect terrorist or extremist material. This lack of a similar safeguard for violent content has raised concerns among regulators.
The Australian eSafety Commission has previously fined Telegram and Twitter (now X) for their inadequate reporting practices, with X losing an appeal over a fine of A$610,500 ($382,000). Telegram is also preparing to challenge its fine.
