AFP warns of AI-fuelled youth crime tsunami as children as young as 12 targeted

Federal police have issued a warning to a parliamentary inquiry, describing Australia as facing a 'tsunami' of youth crime. Law enforcement agencies stated that artificial intelligence is accelerating the pace and scale of this issue, creating an increasingly dangerous security environment.

Officials told the inquiry that children as young as 12 are among dozens who have been subject to federal police operations since 2020. They described a situation where young people are being targeted online with increasing speed and intensity.

The inquiry heard that law enforcement is dealing with a security environment where digital radicalisation is moving faster than traditional methods can address. The AFP and other agencies highlighted the role of AI in amplifying the reach of these threats to young adults and children.