NSW crackdown on ‘AI-doctored’ real estate listings hits mural-covered wall
Summary
The New South Wales (NSW) government has introduced new rules to stop misleading rental ads that use digitally changed or AI-created images of properties. However, a recent example cited by the government turned out to be a real photo of a mural, not an altered image. The new law will fine real estate agents up to $22,000 if they fail to reveal when images have been digitally changed.Key Facts
- NSW is cracking down on rental ads that use AI or digital editing to change property photos.
- A government example of an AI-edited image was actually a real mural inside a property, not digitally altered.
- The mural showed Bondi beach but the property is in Leichhardt, about 12 km away.
- New laws will start in early 2027, with fines up to $22,000 for not disclosing digitally altered images.
- The issue is part of a wider problem called "housefishing," where photos make homes look bigger or nicer than reality.
- Some agents use virtual staging, adding furniture digitally to photos, which is allowed if it is clear the photo is staged, not misleading.
- Real estate leaders say AI makes it harder to tell when images are real or fake, increasing the risk of misleading ads.
- The NSW government says the rules protect renters from being tricked when looking for homes.
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