Mayor reports Facebook 'trolls' to police over AI parody videos

Bundaberg Mayor Helen Blackburn has taken her fight against an anonymous AI-generated parody to the police and federal authorities. The parody, circulating on a Facebook page, uses South Park-inspired AI videos to depict a fictional version of the mayor.

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In a world where people can already hide behind a fake name and profile, further encouraging the act of anonymous online slander is only encouraging others to jump on a bandwagon of negativity and hate.

Blackburn has lodged complaints with the Queensland Police, Australian Federal Police, and the federal eSafety commissioner. She believes the page promotes bullying and anonymous online slander, stating, "In a world where people can already hide behind a fake name and profile, further encouraging the act of anonymous online slander is only encouraging others to jump on a bandwagon of negativity and hate."

The mayor attempted to contact the creators directly, requesting the removal of the videos. "When you've got these trolls online hiding behind anonymity, it's not a fair playing field," she said. "I have to own every opinion that I have. I have to face what I say and do, but these people online aren't doing the same."

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When you've got these trolls online hiding behind anonymity, it's not a fair playing field.

This action follows recent threats the mayor received, including wishes for her death and suggestions of violence. The situation underscores the challenge of distinguishing between legitimate political satire and cyber abuse. Professor Richard Scully from the University of New England noted the uncertain line, stating, "It's a big issue because satirists, one of their key purposes is to cause offence, and there's a lot of debate over to what extent that should be protected."

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I have to own every opinion that I have. I have to face what I say and do, but these people online aren't doing the same.

The parody page, in response, shared the mayor's phone number, threatening to escalate the matter to the AFP if the page was deleted. The mayor has since disconnected her number, and Queensland Police have confirmed they are investigating the matter.

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It's a big issue because satirists, one of their key purposes is to cause offence, and there's a lot of debate over to what extent that should be protected.