Deloitte Australia’s latest Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) Predictions 2025 report identifies gender disparities in generative AI usage, energy consumption of AI data centres, and trust issues related to deepfake content as key issues driven by the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the report, there is a notable gender gap in the use and trust of generative AI in the Australian workplace, with 50% of women compared to 70% of men engaging with the technology. This disparity highlights potential challenges in achieving gender equality in the adoption of AI technologies.

The report projects that data centres will consume 8% of Australia’s national electricity by 2030, an increase from 5% in 2024. This rise in energy consumption underscores the environmental impact of expanding AI infrastructure.

By 2025, over 50% of Australian smartphones are expected to be AI-enabled, with the average smartphone replacement cycle extending to more than four years. This shift indicates a growing integration of AI capabilities in everyday devices.

The report also notes that 75% of Australians are concerned about the rising costs of Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) services. Despite these concerns, demand for SVOD services is expected to remain stable, with bundling and ad-tiers playing a significant role in the market.

Deepfake technology poses a growing threat, with over 40% of Australian businesses anticipated to be impacted by deepfake attacks. Additionally, more than 50% of consumers are expected to be targeted by deepfake scams. The report suggests that the rise of deepfakes will disproportionately impact women, with 90% of deepfake harassment incidents targeting females.

Deloitte’s report indicates that Australian businesses will likely adopt a cautious approach to deploying AI agents, reflecting a slow national adoption of generative AI. Investment in local AI start-ups is projected to remain below $50 million until 2027.

The report forecasts a $1.2 billion investment in new or upgraded sports stadiums over the next three years, with an increase in digitised stadiums enabled with 5G technology. This investment reflects a broader trend towards enhancing sports infrastructure with digital capabilities.

Australian telecommunications companies are expected to explore active network sharing deals, potentially enabling 30% savings through optimised utilisation and infrastructure spending.

Deloitte’s report also highlights the potential for women’s sports in Australia to attract more investment, positioning it as one of the top three revenue-generating elite women’s sporting economies per capita.

Deloitte Australia National Industry and Sector Lead, Bec McConnochie, said: “The 2025 TMT Predictions show we are at a pivotal moment where the choices we make today will have a significant impact on the future of the sector.”

Deloitte Australia Lead Partner of Telecommunications, Media and Technology, Peter Corbett, said: “This year’s report reflects a TMT landscape in transition. Generative AI is redefining productivity and creativity. Content discovery is increasingly shaped by algorithms and ecosystems, not channels. And sustainability, once a side narrative, is now a board-level priority across the sector.”