Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542585
THE government is preparing legislative amendments to crack down on the malicious use of deep fakes, Prime Minister Rob- ert Abela said, as he warned about the risks posed by artifi- cial intelligence when used irre- sponsibly. Speaking during a meeting with the National Youth Coun- cil at the presentation of the National Youth Parliament's 2025 work report, Abela said the government is analysing ex- isting laws and drafting propos- als to address the use of deep- fake technology for harassment, blackmail or bullying. "As we did in the case of cyber- bullying and cyberstalking, we will also work to ensure that the use of deep fakes to harm peo- ple is penalised appropriately in our country's laws," Abela said. He explained while the gov- ernment has begun implement- ing budget measures aimed at promoting the use of artificial intelligence, it is also commit- ted to ensuring that citizens can use digital tools in a safe envi- ronment. The responsible use of artifi- cial intelligence and youth par- ticipation in public life were the two main themes addressed by the National Youth Parliament in 2025. Discussing the pro- posals put forward by young people, Abela said their input is already helping to shape Vision Malta 2050, a long-term nation- al strategy, and that young peo- ple will be central to its imple- mentation. "This is a vision that prepares the country for the next 25 years and therefore directly affects those who are currently prepar- ing themselves for the world of work or to start a family," Abela said. "Young people are cata- lysts in shaping national policy on important issues, including the fertility rate, the environ- ment and the balance between family life and work." Abela said the government views artificial intelligence as a tool with significant potential for economic and social devel- opment, but stressed that safe- guards are necessary to prevent abuse. He said legislative work on deep fakes would run in par- allel with efforts to encourage innovation and digital adoption. The meeting was also ad- dressed by Education Minister Clifton Grima, Parliamenta- ry Secretaries Andy Ellul and Keith Azzopardi Tanti, Cabi- net Secretary Ryan Spagnol and members of the Youth Advisory Forum. 4 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 14 JANUARY 2026 KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt charged with involuntarily damag- tained. has taken place and CCTV footage NEWS Government drafting legal changes to combat irresponsible use of AI Prime Minister Robert Abela addressing the Youth Advisory Forum (Photo: DOI) Malta to be promoted through four-year partnership with Melbourne-based football club VISIT Malta enters four-year marketing partnership with Craoline Springs George Cross Football Club, promoting Malta as a desirable tourism destina- tion within the Australian Mar- ket and on a global stage. "As Malta's tourism strategy is shifting focus to attract high- er-yielding tourism from long- haul markets, Australia is defi- nitely a key long-haul source market for Malta, presenting strong opportunities to engage both the Maltese community and the broader travel audi- ence, with significant potential for high-value tourism," said Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Tourism Authority. The four-year partnership with the Melbourne-based club, founded by Maltese migrants in 1947 and recently promoted to the National Premier League in Victoria, Australia, will further strengthen the cultural ties be- tween Malta and its diaspora community abroad. Visit Malta will serve as the club's main jersey partner, with both the home and away kits, which are worn across all 33 George Cross FC squads dis- playing the Visit Malta logo. The company's branding and promotional content will also feature across the club's digital and media platforms, including social media channels and phys- ical visibility at the club's stadi- um and training facilities. "This partnership is particu- larly meaningful to me, given the strong Maltese heritage em- bedded within George Cross. Our identity is reflected in our name, badge, and colours, and this collaboration with Vis- it Malta aligns naturally with who we are as a club", stated Mark Sultana, President of Car- oline Springs George Cross FC, "With more than 200,000 Aus- tralians of Maltese heritage and approximately half of our junior players coming from Maltese families, football provides an effective platform to maintain and celebrate this cultural con- nection." Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Ian Borg added, "Through this collaboration, we are showcasing Malta's rich heritage, lifestyle, and experi- ences to new audiences, while creating meaningful connec- tions that translate into sustain- able, high-value tourism for our country." Through football, one of Aus- tralia's most followed sports, the collaboration will showcase Malta's Mediterranean lifestyle, history, and urban and coastal experiences to new audiences. JADE BEZZINA jbezzina@mediatoday.com.mt The four-year deal with George Cross Football Club will promote Malta as a long-haul destination among Australians (Photo: Caroline Springs George Cross FC/Facebook)