Australians will be forgiven for wondering what’s happening with the age pension, road rules and superannuation today after a fresh bout of misinformation was spread by what appear to be AI-based websites.
Multiple websites claimed an age pension “update” was scheduled for April 1.
Other sites claimed new rules for superannuation and drivers aged over 65 would also be coming into effect today.
Screenshot of what appears to be an AI-based website making false claims about changes coming on April 1. (Nine)
The claims were often accompanied by AI-generated images and misleading articles that appeared to be written with the use of AI.
And this isn’t the first time misinformation spread on AI-based websites have fooled Australians.
But nothing will happen to the age pension, which was last adjusted on March 20.
The government hiked the age pension last month to reflect cost-of-living pressures.
It also increased deeming rates on March 20, which affected age pension recipients.
The lower deeming rate rose from 0.75 per cent to 1.25 per cent for financial assets under $64,200 for singles and $106,200 for couples combined.
The upper rate rose from 2.75 per cent to 3.25 per cent for assets over those amounts.
Increased deeming rates may result in a lower age pension for some Australians, as they will affect income tests.
But all of these changes have already come into effect, and no additional updates are planned for April 1.
There are also no new road or licensing rules coming into effect today for drivers over the age of 65.
There are no new road rules coming into effect today, despite AI claims. (JOE ARMAO)
Changes are on the horizon for superannuation with the introduction of Payday Super, but that won’t come into effect until July 1.
Last year, some Aussies were tricked by similar AI-based websites that spread wild claims about road rules that didn’t exist.
For example, one of the rumours spread was that a new law would ban drivers over the age of 60 from being on the road between the hours of 10pm and 5am.
Sites generating fake infringements, fine amounts and demerit point penalties gained traction on social media, sparking panic among some drivers.
Transport authorities eventually issued statements to disprove the claims.
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