Gold Coast man charged over explicit AI images
A Gold Coast man faces charges after allegedly creating explicit AI images
What’s Happening?
A Gold Coast man has been charged following an investigation into child exploitation material on a work-issued computer.
Police allege the computer was issued through his employment at an Arundel school. They claim he used the laptop and artificial intelligence software to generate explicit images of staff members and students.
The allegations have not been tested in court.
Why It Matters
Police said digitally generated material can cause real harm to the people represented, even when no original photograph was used.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said using artificial intelligence to create child exploitation material remained a serious criminal offence.
“Technology is constantly evolving, but so are our investigative capabilities,” Detective Senior Sergeant Aubort said.
“Anyone who believes they can use AI or online platforms to create, possess, or distribute child exploitation material should expect to be identified and held accountable.”
Local Impact
The Gold Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit began investigating after receiving a report involving an Arundel school.
The report concerned the alleged misuse of a restricted computer by an employee. Detectives then conducted an extensive investigation before laying charges.
Police have not named the school, staff members or students allegedly represented in the generated images.
By the Numbers
Police received the initial report on 30 October 2025, leading to an investigation lasting almost nine months.
Detectives charged the 73-year-old Gold Coast man with four alleged offences on Sunday, 26 July 2026.
The matter is due before Southport Magistrates Court on 6 August 2026.
Zoom In
The man faces one count of misusing a restricted computer under section 408E of Queensland’s Criminal Code.
Police also charged him with making child exploitation material under section 228B and possessing it under section 228D.
A fourth charge concerns possessing or controlling child abuse material under section 474.23 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code.
Zoom Out
Police warned that using artificial intelligence does not lessen the seriousness of alleged child exploitation offences.
“The misuse of artificial intelligence to create child exploitation material is a serious criminal offence that causes real harm to victims, regardless of whether the images have been digitally generated,” Detective Senior Sergeant Aubort said.
“The Queensland Police Service will relentlessly investigate, identify and hold offenders accountable to protect children and our community.”
What To Look For Next?
The man is due to appear before Southport Magistrates Court on 6 August, when the charges will enter the court process.
Further information may become available as the case progresses. Until then, the allegations remain unproven.