Interest in artificial intelligence tools has soared in Australia, with internet searches for the technology rising by 20 per cent, according to Google.

But the internet giant revealed searches for AI-detection tools are also up, indicating many people are yet to grow comfortable with the technology.

The findings, released on Tuesday, come less than a week after the Senate’s Adopting Artificial Intelligence inquiry heard calls for guidelines and restrictions on the use of the technology to prevent unintended consequences.

Google’s quarterly trends report, which analysed Australian web searches on its platform between April and June, found search interest in AI hit a record in May and jumped by 20 per cent compared to the first quarter of the year.

Google found the most popular work-related web searches for AI technology were for writing tools, marketing ideas, and, concerningly, AI litigation.

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Australians also looked to AI to write messages, statements, cover letters and computer code; to create images, playlists and PowerPoint presentations; and to learn English, coding and Gaelic.

However, while apps to create images, artworks, voices and videos were popular, the most sought-after AI tools were for those that detected the use of AI, with searches for the technology rising more than 5000 per cent over the last two years, the report found.

Popular AI-detection tools, which use machine learning to inspect language patterns and compare them to human-written and computer-generated text, include GPTZero, Originality.ai and Google’s own SynthID.

A Senate inquiry heard concerns about the use of AI at two public hearings last week, including calls from groups representing media outlets, voice actors and lawyers to introduce guidelines and limitations on AI use.

AAP