New research shows widespread concern about crimes enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), with Australians most worried about AI tracking their location, accessing their devices or accounts, and impersonating or deceiving them in ways that could cause financial loss, embarrassment or harm.
The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) today released Statistical Bulletin 51: Perceived risk of victimisation by artificial intelligence enabled crimes, finding that half of Australian adults fear AI could be used to harm them and one in five expect to be a victim within 12 months. Almost half believe AI will be used to monitor their or their family's movements, with similar fears that AI could crack passwords, mimic their voice or face, or impersonate them to deceive contacts.
These concerns reflect AI's rapid integration into daily life and growing awareness of its use to scam, impersonate and stalk potential victims. Based on over 6,000 responses to the 2024 Australian Cybercrime Survey, the report provides the clearest national picture of Australians' fear of AI misuse. AIC Deputy Director, Dr Rick Brown, said the findings offer a timely and much needed contribution to Australia's national cyber policy conversation, ensuring community concerns inform future safeguards, regulation and public education.
Older Australians were less likely to believe AI enabled crimes are common but were more worried about falling victim. Parents were more concerned about the risks to children, including AI generated child sexual abuse material and grooming via fake online identities.
