First Prosecution for AI Deepfake Abuse in Australia

• •William Hamish Yeates is the first person charged under Australia's 2024 deepfake law.
• •He pleaded guilty to creating and distributing non-consensual sexual images.
• •The eSafety Commissioner reports a 550% increase in explicit deepfakes since 2019.

William Hamish Yeates, a 19-year-old, has become the first individual charged under Australia's new law against the manipulation of sexual images, specifically related to AI-generated deepfakes. He pleaded guilty to four offences, including creating and distributing sexual material without consent, and using a carriage service in a harassing manner. The charges stem from incidents occurring between October 2024 and February 2025, where Yeates shared explicit images of his alleged victim on multiple social media accounts. The case marks a significant legal milestone, as it is the first prosecution under the national law enacted in 2024 aimed at combating deepfake pornography. The eSafety Commissioner has reported a staggering 550% increase in explicit deepfakes since 2019, predominantly affecting women and girls. Yeates is scheduled to return to court for further proceedings in April 2026. This case highlights the growing issue of non-consensual sexual imagery facilitated by AI technology.