The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is developing an artificial intelligence tool to interpret Gen Z and Alpha slang and emojis, aiming to combat the rise of online 'crimefluencers' who target vulnerable teenage and pre-teen girls. Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the initiative during a speech at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
Barrett described these perpetrators, predominantly young men and boys from English-speaking backgrounds, as 'crimefluencers' motivated by anarchy and the desire to inflict harm for amusement. They groom victims online, forcing them to perform violent acts on themselves or others. 'The motivation ... is not financial nor is it for sexual gratification – this is purely for their amusement, for fun – or to be popular online,' she said.
The AFP has identified 59 alleged offenders aged 17 to 20 involved in such networks, with an unspecified number arrested. Barrett noted that the AI prototype, developed in partnership with Microsoft, aims to speed up the identification of sadistic exploitation in encrypted communications, enabling earlier intervention to protect children.
Barrett also highlighted broader police efforts, including collaboration with Colombian authorities to destroy cocaine laboratories, resulting in the seizure of over eight tonnes of cocaine. Additionally, she addressed youth radicalisation, revealing that 48 youths aged 12 to 17 have been investigated for terrorism offences since 2020, with four charged this year. In one 2022 case, a 14-year-old planning a school shooting was arrested with a tactical vest and ballistic helmet.
