A Gold Coast school teacher has been charged after allegedly generating explicit images of children and adults using artificial intelligence.

Robert John Thomas, 73, a former teacher at A.B. Paterson College in Arundel, has been accused of using his work laptop and artificial intelligence software to generate explicit images depicting both adults and children.

He was arrested on Thursday after he was fired from the school and a police investigation launched in October last year.

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Thomas has been charged with making and possessing child exploitation material, misuse of a restricted computer and possessing/controlling child abuse material.

He is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on August 6.

The former teacher was charged with making explicit images of children using AI. Credit: Supplied

A.B. Paterson College Principal Joanne Sheehy said the school’s priority is supporting students and staff members.

“As soon as we knew what was happening we acted immediately,” she said.

“We notified the Queensland police and terminated this person’s employment and fully cooperated with Police throughout the entire investigation.

Sheehy said there were limits to what the school could say due to the ongoing police investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Aubort said the misuse of artificial intelligence to create child exploitation material is a serious criminal offence.

“Technology is constantly evolving, but so are our investigative capabilities,” he said.

“Anyone who believes they can use AI or online platforms to create, possess, or distribute child exploitation material should expect to be identified and held accountable.

“The Queensland Police Service will relentlessly investigate, identify and hold offenders accountable to protect children and our community.”