Australia-wide driving curfew for over 60s debunked after AI-generated claims cause ‘distress’

The WA government has deflated false claims of a nighttime curfew for drivers over the age of 60.

It said AI-generated articles, videos and social media posts have been incorrectly stating that an Australia-wide curfew is set to be introduced.

“This is a false claim and is completely fabricated,” Transport WA said.

“This fabricated news has been shared extensively online and resulted in distress for those who believe the claims are true.”

The fake news circulating online includes claims that restrictions would reduce safety risks caused by the “slower reaction times, glare sensitivity, and fatigue” experienced by motorists over 60, and that the curfew would function between 10pm and 5am.

Fines between $300 and $700 were even listed as possible penalties for breaches of the made-up curfew.

Transport WA urged netizens to verify information about “supposedly government-led initiatives” by checking official government websites.

“If you’ve never heard of it and local and national news platforms are not writing about the story, it is highly likely it is false,” it said.

“Any WA State Government changes go through extensive processes, and media statements can be found online.”

“Other red flags to look out for include: the use of AI-generated voiceovers or images, spelling or grammatical mistakes, American spelling instead of Australian spelling, or any other elements that seem ‘off’ should be cause for suspicion.”