Australia Charges Two in Global AI Child Abuse Sting

Two Australian men, aged 31 and 38, have been arrested in a global operation targeting the alleged creation and distribution of AI-generated child abuse material, with the investigation spanning 19 countries. The arrests were part of 'Operation Cumberland,' initiated by Danish authorities after a man was found producing and selling such material via a subscription service. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported an increase in AI-generated child abuse content over the past year, complicating efforts to identify real victims. Both men have been charged with possessing child abuse material, and further arrests are expected as the investigation continues. Detective Acting Superintendent Kurt Wesche emphasized that all content depicting abuse, regardless of whether it involves real children, is considered criminal in Australia. The operation has led to the identification of 273 subscribers worldwide, highlighting the international nature of this crime.