Project 001
Forensic Intelligence Analysis Across Large‑Scale Data
This program of research combines AI with advanced analytical methods to create a new digital forensics capability that improves large‑scale intelligence gathering and analysis for law enforcement. It processes multiple data types, including digital media, text, and metadata, using computer vision, biometric analysis, natural language processing, and pattern detection to produce actionable intelligence. The software has shown value in a wide range of policing contexts and supports complex, high‑volume investigative work.
Applications for child sexual abuse investigations
The ACO has been awarded an Australian Research Council Linkage Project to apply this technology to child sexual abuse investigations. This project aims to generate new knowledge about the victims appearing in child sexual abuse material, with the potential to transform police practice. It utilises an innovative methodological approach to deliver new insights about victimisation and identify: who is being victimised, who is the highest risk of repeat victimisation, and when/where victimisation takes place. Project activities engage restricted police data to triangulate information with existing databases to provide actionable priorities for investigators. A scalable solution will be delivered to law enforcement by project's end.
Grant details: Australian Research Council Linkage Project LP240200994 ($555,000)Research partners: Adelaide University, Deakin University, South Australia Police, International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (Australia)
Project 002
AI facilitated sexual victimisation, disclosure and help-seeking among Australian adolescents
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into our daily lives represents a seismic shift in how online spaces are used, and the risks posed across the population, including to young people.
This program of research addresses a national need for evidence on adolescent experiences of online sexual victimisation involving the use of AI. We also measure the uses of AI for disclosure of harm, help-seeking and advice, and the uses of AI in perpetration of online sexual violence. In July 2026 we publish the first national prevalence estimates of AI involvement in online child sexual victimisation in Australia. This report includes the prevalence of disclosures to AI, and help-seeking by young people. You can find this report by following the link.
