The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) has issued a warning to South Australian motorists after an artificial intelligence-generated article falsely claimed that new restrictions would soon be imposed on drivers aged over 60.
The fabricated story, which spread on social media, alleged that a curfew would prevent older drivers from operating vehicles between 10pm and 5am.
According to the RAA’s road rules department, the misleading article prompted a notable increase in inquiries from members seeking clarification.
Charles Mountain, RAA senior road safety manager, explained that any genuine changes to road regulations are formally announced by the state government and published on the official mylicence website.
“It’s understandable that these stories raise alarm, particularly as they are not based on proposed changes to the regulations affecting older drivers,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of verifying information through trusted sources, especially for older motorists who may be targeted by misinformation.
South Australia maintains specific requirements for older licence holders. These include a self-assessment of medical fitness for car licence renewal after a certain age and, in some cases, a formal medical assessment if there are health concerns or for licences covering vehicles other than standard cars.
To assist older drivers in navigating these requirements, RAA offers the Years Ahead program. This complimentary, hour-long session is delivered by trained staff and covers topics such as current road rules, mobility options, and lifestyle considerations.
The aim is to help participants maintain their independence and confidence behind the wheel.
“These programs are a great way to stay informed and safe, and they remind us all not to take every post online at face value – and it’s an easy way to brush up on driving skills [and] current road rules and get reassurance about what’s current in road safety requirements,” Mountain said.
RAA is encouraging all drivers to rely on official channels for updates on road rules and to report any suspicious or misleading content.
“Even long-term drivers can benefit from keeping their knowledge up to date, and RAA encourages everyone to check official channels rather than relying on viral posts or AI-generated content,” Mountain said.
RAA is encouraging motorists to stay alert, use official sources for information, and notify authorities about any questionable or inaccurate articles to help limit the spread of false information. For those who are uncertain, RAA can provide assistance via phone or email.
“By staying informed and proactive, South Australians can continue to enjoy safe and confident driving well into their later years,” Mountain said.
Groups interested in the Years Ahead program can book sessions for 20 or more participants by emailing yearsahead@raa.com.au.
For the most current information on driving regulations, motorists are advised to consult the South Australian government’s official resources.
Recent events, such as the circulation of a fake AI-generated article targeting older drivers, reflect a growing trend in the use of AI to spread misinformation and perpetrate cyber-related risks.
Aon plc’s 2025 Cyber Risk Report highlighted a significant increase in cyber incidents across the Asia-Pacific region.
The report, which draws on data from more than 3,200 Aon clients and over 1,400 global cyber events, found that the number of cyber incidents in Asia-Pacific rose by 29% over the past year.
Over a four-year period, the region has experienced a 134% increase in incident frequency, indicating a persistent upward trend in cyber risk exposure for businesses.
The report also revealed a 22% rise in cyber insurance claims notifications in 2024, reflecting the growing impact of cyber events on insured organisations.
Incidents involving AI, including the use of deepfake technology, have contributed to a 53% year-on-year increase in social engineering attacks.
Correspondingly, insurance claims related to social engineering and fraud have surged by 233%.
This trend points to the evolving tactics of cybercriminals, who are increasingly leveraging AI tools to conduct more sophisticated attacks.
