NSW leads push for nationwide ban on AI-altered rental ads

New South Wales has introduced legislation to combat the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in real estate advertisements, particularly in rental listings. The new laws, announced on Sunday, will mandate disclosure when images are digitally altered to conceal faults or mislead potential renters. Examples include AI-generated furniture or modified photos to hide property damage.

Key Reforms

• Mandatory disclosure of digitally manipulated images in rental ads.
• Standardized rental application forms to clarify permissible data collection.
• Penalties for non-compliance:
  • Corporations: $49,500 for privacy violations.
  • Individuals: $11,000 for privacy violations, $5,500 for misleading ads.

Nationwide Call

Leo Patterson Ross, CEO of the Tenants’ Union of NSW, urged other states to adopt similar protections. "All renters in Australia deserve dignity and privacy," he said, highlighting the frustration of being misled into visiting unsuitable properties. Ross also suggested expanding disclosures to include:

• Age of photos
• Repair history
• Energy efficiency ratings
• Floor plans

Industry Response

• Anoulack Chanthivong, NSW Minister for Better Regulation, called the reforms a "commonsense solution" and encouraged other states to follow.
• Tim McKibbin, CEO of the Real Estate Institute of NSW, acknowledged the need for accurate property representation but emphasized the necessity of collecting some personal data for transactions.

Privacy Concerns

NSW Rental Commissioner Trina Jones warned of cyber breaches, noting a breach occurs every six minutes in Australia. "Renters shouldn’t trade privacy for a home," she said.

Related Links

• Fake fires and greener grass: the real estate photo tricks
• Guardian Australia’s breaking news email

Illustration: Guardian Design / Rich Cousins