Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett has issued a warning about the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on child safety, emphasizing that protecting children from AI-related risks requires a whole-of-society effort rather than relying solely on law enforcement. The commissioner highlighted research indicating that more than a third of young victims of online sexual exploitation do not report their abuse to authorities, with many instead turning to AI chatbots for support.

The findings, developed in collaboration with the Australian Cybercrime Observatory and the AFP’s Australian Centres to Counter Child Exploitation, reveal that 35 percent of child victims either remain silent or seek help from AI chatbots. The reluctance to confide in humans is even more pronounced among boys, with only about 40 percent reporting incidents to a person, while the rest either consult AI bots or keep the abuse to themselves. The study underscores the increasing victimization of young people through image-based sexual abuse, such as the non-consensual sharing of nude photographs facilitated by AI technologies.

Commissioner Barrett conveyed that the AFP is enhancing its AI capabilities to fight illegal activities involving the technology. She noted that AI tools have become essential in investigations related to child exploitation, violent extremism, and organised crime, which are increasingly using AI to further their operations. Barrett stressed the importance of government oversight in setting safety standards, while also urging parents, educators, carers, health professionals, and community leaders to engage actively in awareness and prevention efforts.

This warning coincides with comments from Assistant Technology Minister Andrew Charlton, who outlined the government’s approach to AI regulation. Charlton indicated that detailed, prescriptive rules could quickly become outdated due to the rapid evolution of AI technology. Instead, the government favors a “systems-based” regulatory framework that places responsibility on companies to ensure the safe development and deployment of AI products and services, with the government establishing overarching standards.

Barrett also addressed other areas of concern during the interview. She confirmed that the AFP is conducting a review of past investigations into hate preachers to identify potential gaps in prosecuting individuals who exploit legal boundaries to promote extremist views. The commissioner reflected on the Bondi terror attack, which occurred shortly after her appointment, affirming that the AFP was unable to prevent the incident but is focused on enhancing national security measures and counter-terrorism efforts.

Regarding the safety of the Jewish community in Australia, Barrett acknowledged a rise in antisemitism and described the security environment as “very volatile.” The AFP has increased collaboration with Jewish community leaders and expanded National Security Investigations Teams to detect and prevent threats targeting this community. Barrett emphasized that protection efforts extend beyond domestic operations to include intelligence sharing with international partners.

Barrett rejected reports suggesting she advised against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to hold a royal commission into the Bondi attack, stating that providing such advice was not part of her responsibilities. She expressed concern about the increasing polarization of public discourse in Australia, noting that extremes are growing more entrenched and respectful debate has diminished, which complicates the AFP’s efforts to address related security challenges.