Are AI ‘artists’ fueling a new wave of child abuse?

A disturbing trend has been shown by a recent study: online criminals are increasingly attempting to employ AI to produce content that depicts child sexual assault.

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Digital chatbots and Artificial Intelligence Technology

A disturbing trend has been shown by a recent study: online criminals are increasingly attempting to employ AI to produce content that depicts child sexual assault.

The dark web is seeing an increase in demand for AI-generated photos of child abuse, according to research from Anglia Ruskin University.

After examining dark web forums for the past year, researchers, Dr. Deanna Davy and Prof. Sam Lundrigan, found that users are teaching themselves how to create these images by consulting online manuals and exchanging tips, a BBC report said.

The analysis also found that offenders are using non-AI content as a learning tool to create AI-generated images. Some forum members refer to these creators as “artists” and hope that technology will advance to make image creation easier.

Dr. Davy warns that AI-produced child sexual abuse material is a “rapidly growing problem,” stressing the need for greater understanding of how this content is created, shared, and its impact on offender behavior.

She also debunks the myth that AI-generated images are “victimless,” noting that offenders often manipulate real images of children, with discussions frequently escalating to more extreme content.

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