The advisory cautions schools to reconsider sharing student images online as AI-generated deepfakes targeting students and teachers become more common.

The advisory emphasizes risk-based posting decisions, prioritising consent, access restrictions, and ongoing privacy reviews.

eSafety urges schools to assess posting risks carefully, as not all harmful material can be addressed under the Online Safety Act, particularly content targeting adults, and to implement risk-based posting decisions.

Schools are advised to obtain clear consent, control who can access imagery, review privacy and security settings regularly, and establish robust complaints handling to address concerns promptly.

Experts from universities highlight the challenge of balancing community-building with safety, noting a cultural shift away from routinely sharing children's images online.

eSafety has published a new online safety guide for safer posting decisions and responses to misused images, and has acted against nudifying apps, with some platforms withdrawing access or agreeing to comply with the Act.

eSafety warns that posted student photos can be misused to create deepfakes and harmful content about school staff, including face swaps and doctored narratives.

Education departments acknowledge the advisory and note that parents can withdraw consent for image publication, though the consent process may be imperfect.

Experts warn there is no risk-free way to share images of children online, especially in uniforms, urging careful consent, strict access controls, and ongoing privacy reviews.

Australia’s eSafety agency has issued a safety advisory warning that AI-generated face swaps, memes, and fabricated stories, including deepfakes involving school staff and students, are rising safety risks for school communities.

The Online Safety Advisory builds on the Toolkit for Schools, offering practical guidance on consent, privacy controls, and clear pathways for reporting issues.

eSafety has taken enforcement action against AI-powered nudifying services, prompting seven major platforms to withdraw access or comply with obligations under the Online Safety Act to limit harmful content exposure.