The New South Wales Transit Department has warned of the rise of AI misinformation, following false claims that drivers should keep their headlights on at all times when their headlights are on.
When Australians search for “Australian Roads for headlights”, Google submits – a site that will lie to drivers at all times or face drivers with a $250 fine from 10 November.
Transport for NSW said the claim – which appeared under the “people also in question” option – was one of a number of misinformation circulating in Australian rules. Some falsely claim that stricter requirements for older drivers had been introduced, and fines increased for things like smoking while driving.
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The easily identifiable issue with each claim is that each individual state or territory sets its own rules of the road – rather than the single country of Australia.
NSW Transport department secretary Josh Murray said the rise of AI could create false information online.
“We have seen recently that there have been claims that curfews have been introduced for drivers over 60 in NSW and many good increases in the rules of the road – neither true nor remotely accurate,” he said.
“Access to accurate information about the rules of the road and safety is essential to ensure we all stay safe from a reliable Source, such as a NSW website and correct information.”
Under NSW Road rules, people cannot drive in the dark unless their car has headlights. A fine of $140 and one demerit point applies.
Google reached out for comment.
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The industry group for Australian tech companies, Digi – of which Google is a member – recently revealed that the acquisition of bad information
Google stopped Funding Factchecking in Australia earlier this yearas Tech companies begin to back away from spreading misinformation and disinformation online after the 2024 US presidential election.