AI is Supercharging the Child Sex Abuse Crisis. Companies Need to Act. | TechPolicy.Press
AI is Supercharging the Child Sex Abuse Crisis. Companies Need to Act. | TechPolicy.Press Tech Policy Press
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Child Safety
Introduction
Sarah Gardner, the CEO and Founder of Heat Initiative, an organization advocating for big tech companies to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet, has been working in the child safety space for over a decade. In this report, we will discuss the alarming rise of AI-generated CSAM and the need for action to protect children.
The Threat of AI-generated CSAM
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology poses a significant threat to the distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. AI tools can now generate explicit content of anyone, including children, with ease. Reports of AI-generated nude images of middle and high school students and even celebrities have become increasingly common. This crisis demands urgent attention and action.
The Need for Measures and Guardrails
While some have suggested implementing measures and guardrails around AI models to prevent the creation of sexually explicit images, these solutions only address part of the problem. They fail to tackle the underlying issue of how technology enables a culture of sexual exploitation of children. A comprehensive approach is necessary to combat this growing problem.
The Rise of CSAM Online
A recent report by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children revealed a disturbing increase of over 12% in reports of CSAM online in 2023, with a total of more than 36 million reports. The use of generative AI to create this type of content has also seen a rise. It is crucial to address this issue promptly.
Apple’s Negligence in Child Sexual Abuse Space
Apple, one of the leading tech giants, has been negligent in detecting and preventing the distribution of known child sexual abuse content shared via iCloud. Despite admitting that the platform is being used to distribute sexual images of children, Apple has turned a blind eye to this issue. While they initially announced a privacy-forward solution to detect known CSAM in iCloud, they later reversed their decision due to pressure from privacy advocates.
The Role of AI Models and Content Moderation
As AI models become integrated into various products, content moderation becomes a pressing concern. Apple’s failure to address the proliferation of illegal and vile content protected by its technology raises questions about their commitment to child protection. It is essential for companies to take responsibility and implement effective content moderation measures.
Focusing on the Underlying Problem
The widespread circulation of images and videos depicting sexual abuse and nude photos of minors on the internet demands our attention. The existing infrastructure to detect and save child victims is already overwhelmed, and the influx of AI-generated CSAM will further strain the system. Companies deploying AI technologies must take immediate action to implement safety features and filters to suppress these images.
Call to Action
Companies should not wait for legislative mandates but prioritize addressing this issue before it escalates further. The AI-generated images we have witnessed so far are just the beginning. It is crucial to listen to the stories of survivors and act now to protect children from exploitation.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education – The article discusses the circulation of AI-generated nude images of middle and high school students, highlighting the need to address the underlying issue of technology enabling the sexual exploitation of children.
- SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article mentions the creation of deepfake pornographic content, including targeting celebrities and undressing photos, which can contribute to the objectification and exploitation of women.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article focuses on the role of technology companies in addressing the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online and the need for measures and guardrails around AI models.
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights the importance of detecting and preventing the distribution of illegal and vile content, such as child sexual abuse images, and holding technology companies accountable for their negligence in this area.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
- Target 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?
- Indicator for Target 4.7: Number of educational programs or initiatives that promote sustainable development and address the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation.
- Indicator for Target 5.2: Number of reported cases of deepfake pornographic content and other forms of online sexual exploitation, with a specific focus on minors.
- Indicator for Target 9.1: Percentage of technology companies implementing measures and guardrails around AI models to prevent the creation and distribution of sexually explicit images, especially involving children.
- Indicator for Target 16.2: Number of reported cases of child sexual abuse images and videos detected and suppressed by technology companies, indicating their efforts to prevent abuse and exploitation.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles. | Number of educational programs or initiatives that promote sustainable development and address the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation. |
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation. | Number of reported cases of deepfake pornographic content and other forms of online sexual exploitation, with a specific focus on minors. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all. | Percentage of technology companies implementing measures and guardrails around AI models to prevent the creation and distribution of sexually explicit images, especially involving 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 reported cases of child sexual abuse images and videos detected and suppressed by technology companies, indicating their efforts to prevent abuse and exploitation. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: techpolicy.press
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