Rise in AI-generated child sex abuse fuels real-life risk, police and experts warn

详细摘要

Prince Edward Island RCMP say there has been a "notable increase" in child sex abuse material made using artificial intelligence across parts of the province. Online exploitation specialists say this surge in illegal AI-generated content could be growing the demand for real-world child abuse.

WARNING: This story contains disturbing descriptions of child sex abuse. Resources and supports for anyone who has experienced sexual violence can be found at the bottom of this story.

Prince Edward Island RCMP say there has been a "notable increase" in child sex abuse material made using artificial intelligence across parts of the province. Online exploitation specialists say this surge in illegal AI-generated content could be growing the demand for real-world child abuse.

Internet watchdog reports indicate a trending global rise in AI-generated child sex abuse content, previously known as child pornography.

In an email, P.E.I. RCMP senior communications adviser Scott Ferris said it’s a "safe estimate" that one third of Island RCMP online child abuse investigations now involve AI-generated material.

That estimate considers only areas under RCMP jurisdiction, which excludes Charlottetown, Summerside and Kensington.

In St. John’s, N.L., this summer, a 17-year-old boy was charged with nearly 60 counts related to the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Police allege he used AI tools to alter images of 19 minors and make them explicit.

Const. Stephanie Myers with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary told CBC News On the Go host Krissy Holmes the case is "probably one of our first if not the first" specifically involving AI being used to create child sexual exploitation material.

A 17-year-old in St John's, N.L., faces 58 charges related to his alleged use of AI to alter images of teenagers. Const. Stephanie Myers with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) says this is likely one of the RNC's first AI-specific child abuse cases. (Danny Arsenault/CBC)

Technological developments have dramatically changed how child sex abuse crimes are committed. With AI, criminals no longer need to make direct contact with an underage victim to create new abusive content.

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