Australia: eSafety Commissioner filed lawsuit against Anthony Rotondo concerning alleged deepfake image-based abuse on online platforms

On 20 October 2023, the eSafety Commissioner of Australia filed an application for the removal of deepfake intimate images from a website and an interim injunction restraining Anthony Rotondo from posting any intimate image on any social media service. The application was brought in response to an alleged violation of section 75 of the Online Safety Act, which forbids posting or threatening to post intimate images without consent, if either the poster or the person whose image is posted is an Australian resident. The application aimed to compel Mr. Rotondo to remove deepfake intimate images of six people. The eSafety Commissioner filed two affidavits, one open and one confidential, on the basis that this approach was in the interest of justice from the perspective of maintaining alleged victims' privacy.