The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has issued a warning to parents as a surge in AI-generated child abuse material poses a growing threat to young people. The Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, under the leadership of the AFP, has observed a concerning increase in illegal content created using artificial intelligence over the past year. This rise has been fueled by a disturbing trend of students utilizing AI technology to produce harmful imagery, such as deepfakes, for various purposes, including bullying and humiliation.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider emphasized the importance of parents engaging in open and non-judgmental conversations with their children regarding the criminal implications of using AI to generate material involving their peers. She highlighted the fact that many young individuals may not realize the seriousness of creating such content, stressing that any depiction of underage individuals in abusive scenarios, regardless of its authenticity, constitutes child abuse material.
Schneider urged parents to take proactive measures in educating their children about online safety and responsible technology use, especially in light of the increasing accessibility of AI tools in various platforms. The AFP’s educational initiative, ThinkUKnow, offers valuable resources to assist parents and caregivers in navigating these crucial conversations with their children.
Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 revealed a concerning statistic: only half of parents actively discussed online safety with their children. Schneider emphasized the importance of addressing topics such as safe technology usage, steps to take if exposed to inappropriate content, enhancing privacy settings on online accounts, and avoiding interactions with unknown individuals online.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, ThinkUKnow conducted 2218 presentations on online child sexual exploitation, reaching over 200,000 students nationwide. Additionally, the program delivered 317 sessions to more than 21,500 parents, caregivers, and educators, aiming to enhance awareness and knowledge surrounding online safety and the risks associated with AI-generated material.
For individuals seeking support, resources, or avenues to report child abuse material, the ACCCE website serves as a valuable resource. Additionally, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service can be reached at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for assistance and guidance. As the digital landscape evolves and technology becomes increasingly intertwined in daily life, it is crucial for parents, educators, and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in safeguarding children against the perils of AI-generated content.