AI could help ‘normalize’ child sexual abuse as graphic images erupt online: experts
AI could help 'normalize' child sexual abuse as graphic images erupt online: experts New York Post
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Artificial Intelligence and the Disturbing Trend of AI-Generated Sexual Images of Children
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing various industries, but it is also giving rise to a disturbing trend of people creating realistic images of children in sexual settings. This trend has the potential to increase the number of cases of sex crimes against children in real life, experts warn.
The Rise of AI Platforms
AI platforms that can mimic human conversation or create realistic images gained popularity following the release of ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI. This marked a watershed moment for the use of artificial intelligence.
While many people have embraced these platforms for work or school tasks, others have used them for more nefarious purposes.
The Warning from the National Crime Agency
The National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK’s lead agency combating organized crime, issued a warning about the proliferation of machine-generated explicit images of children. The agency stated that this trend is having a “radicalizing” effect and “normalizing” pedophilia and disturbing behavior against kids.
NCA Director General Graeme Biggar emphasized that the viewing of these images, whether real or AI-generated, significantly increases the risk of offenders moving on to sexually abusing children themselves. The agency estimates that there are up to 830,000 adults in the UK, or 1.6% of the adult population, who pose some type of sexual danger against children.
The Impact on Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Child sexual abuse cases often involve the viewing of explicit images. With the help of AI, creating and viewing sexual images could further “normalize” abusing children in the real world. Biggar stated that the estimated figures reflect a better understanding of a threat that has historically been underestimated, as well as a real increase caused by the radicalizing effect of the internet.
A Similar Trend in the US
Similar to the UK, the US is also experiencing an increase in the use of AI to create sexual images of children. Rebecca Portnoff, the director of data science at Thorn, a nonprofit that works to protect kids, highlighted that children’s images, including those of known victims, are being repurposed for this disturbing output.
The Challenges Faced by Law Enforcement
Law enforcement agencies face significant challenges in identifying victims of AI-generated sexual images. The ease and realism of using these AI tools make it more difficult to find children in harm’s way. Additionally, AI-generated images can be used in sextortion scams, further complicating the issue.
Efforts to Combat AI-Generated Material
Popular AI sites that can create images have community guidelines to prevent the creation of disturbing photos. However, reports indicate that there are workarounds discussed on dark web forums. The proliferation of AI-generated images not only makes it harder to identify real children who need protection but also normalizes child sexual abuse among offenders and those on the periphery of offending.
The National Crime Agency, in collaboration with international policing partners, is working to understand the threat and develop the right tools to tackle AI-generated material and protect children from sexual abuse.
The Warning from the FBI
The FBI has issued a warning about the use of AI-generated images in sextortion scams. Malicious actors use content manipulation technologies to exploit photos and videos, often obtained from social media accounts or the open internet, into sexually-themed images that appear true-to-life. Many victims, including minors, are unaware that their images have been copied, manipulated, and circulated.
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, it is crucial to address the ethical implications and potential risks associated with its use. Efforts must be made to ensure the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies to protect vulnerable populations, such as children.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of cases of AI-generated explicit images of children
- Number of individuals involved in the creation and distribution of AI-generated explicit images of children
- Number of AI platforms and websites that have community guidelines preventing the creation of disturbing photos
- Number of successful prosecutions and convictions related to AI-generated explicit images of children
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | – Number of cases of AI-generated explicit images of children – Number of individuals involved in the creation and distribution of AI-generated explicit images of children |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | – Number of cases of AI-generated explicit images of children – Number of individuals involved in the creation and distribution of AI-generated explicit images of children – Number of AI platforms and websites that have community guidelines preventing the creation of disturbing photos – Number of successful prosecutions and convictions related to AI-generated explicit images of children |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nypost.com
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