Formal Direction to Comply Issued
ESafety has initiated enforcement action against a popular AI-driven ‘nudify’ service for not adequately safeguarding Australian children from exposure to sexually explicit deepfake images. This action was announced on 19th May 2026.n
Accessed tens of thousands of times monthly in Australia, the service allows users to generate explicit content using images of real people. eSafety issued a formal Direction to Comply, giving the company 14 days to enhance protections.n
Enforcement is part of the Age-Restricted Material Codes (ARM Codes), which began in March 2026. These codes aim to shield children from age-inappropriate material, including explicit content.n
Risks and Enforcement Measuresn
Serious risks, such as non-consensual exploitation and cyberbullying, are posed by the AI service. Despite attempts to engage with the Argentina-based provider, they have not responded, prompting eSafety to issue the compliance direction.n
ESafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted the danger these platforms pose, stating, “The popularity of this ‘nudify’ platform and the ease of which children can access it is deeply concerning.”n
If the service fails to comply within the 14-day period, eSafety may pursue further actions, such as civil penalties up to $49.5 million or issuing delisting notices to search engines.n
Three similar services previously withdrew from Australia following action, later relaunching with enhanced safety measures. This underscores Australia’s commitment to enforcing child safety online, as demonstrated by recent government intentions to legislate bans on nudify services.n
Reflecting a broader strategy, eSafety’s intervention aims to ensure AI technologies do not harm children. The ARM Codes, effective since March 2026, cover not just explicit content but also high-impact violence, self-harm, and disordered eating.n
Julie Inman Grant emphasised the lack of positive use cases for these services, noting the severe impact on adults, particularly women, and the unacceptable risks to children. She reinforced that the ARM Codes were designed by the industry itself, setting clear expectations for compliance.n
Vigilance remains crucial for the eSafety Commission, which is ready to use enforcement powers against companies that fail to secure their platforms. This proactive approach aims to protect Australian children from exposure to harmful and inappropriate online content.
Last updated: 20 May 2026, 6:05 pm
