Gold Coast teacher charged over AI images

A 73-year-old former teacher at A.B. Paterson College on the Gold Coast has been charged with creating and possessing child exploitation material using AI on a work computer. The allegations involve explicit AI-generated images of staff and students, with charges including misuse of a restricted computer and making/possessing child exploitation material. The investigation began after the school reported the material in October, the teacher was terminated, and the case has been referred to police; he is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on August 6. School officials say they acted immediately, secured the material, notified authorities, and there is no evidence the images were distributed, while police stress the seriousness of such offences. Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said technology is evolving but so are investigative capabilities, and offenders will be identified and held accountable. The case is seen as part of a broader global rise in AI-assisted exploitation in education sectors, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and updated laws.