spot_imgspot_img

Lawmakers, experts raise concerns about AI being used for child exploitation

spot_img

Lawmakers and experts are raising the alarm that rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology could be used to exploit children.

A group of Republican lawmakers sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland asking how the Department of Justice will respond to predators using AI to generate sexually explicit material involving children.

The lawmakers requested answers from Garland about the largely uncharted problem of the artificially generated illegal videos and images, which now be easily mass produced.

“The primary responsibility of the government is to protect its citizens,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., who helped lead the effort. “In our technology-driven world, we must increase efforts to protect America’s children online, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Protecting children from exploitation is a bipartisan concern that transcends political agendas. I am committed to ensuring the safety of children and holding accountable those who commit such reprehensible actions.”

AI has exploded in popularity most notably in the form of ChatGPT, which has seen multiple improved iterations in recent months and been used by millions of Americans. ChatGPT, though, is just one of many AI prototypes in a field expected to rapidly expand in the coming years.

Some of those AI programs can generate images and even videos, which is now being used for ill.

“Every day, children are trafficked and abused in the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM),” Abigail Loyd, Communications Director for Unbound Now, anti-human trafficking nonprofit, told The Center Square. “Once known as ‘child pornography,’ CSAM is not innocent adult entertainment. The images depict children being sexually abused and exploited. Many viewers of CSAM are also hands-on offenders, sexually abusing and purchasing sex from children, which is sex trafficking.”

Loyd said the AI-generated images ultimately increases demand for exploitation of children.

“The use of AI to generate more CSAM fuels demand leading to increased victimization,” she said. “The fight against human trafficking requires a targeted effort to eliminate all forms of child sexual abuse material.”

More than two dozen Republicans co-signed the letter, which received official support from the Family Policy Alliance and the Family Research Council.

“In today’s world, children are tragically being exploited through the circulation of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated materials that depict child sexual abuse. Family Policy Alliance is grateful that members of Congress are speaking up on behalf of these children,” said Ruth Ward, Director of Government Affairs at Family Policy Alliance. “AI is a new field for potential child exploitation, and law enforcement must respond quickly when children are taken advantage of by criminals—at times unsuspectingly by themselves or their parents.”

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Yvette Clarke To Lead a Historic Congressional Black Caucus

Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford is passing the torch as...

Justice Department Report Finds Systemic Civil Rights Violations by Memphis Police Department

The Justice Department released a 73-page report Wednesday detailing...

Evers guarantees no National Guard troops for deportations

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s governor says he won’t...

Snohomish County using $1.5M in ARPA funds to improve extreme weather centers

(The Center Square) – Snohomish County is utilizing $1.5...

Ohio bill would stop tax credits for renting to illegal immigrants

(The Center Square) – A bill that would stop...

Voters to vote Saturday on constitutional amendments

(The Center Square) — Louisiana voters face critical decisions...

Candidate complains Illinois county officials violated campaign finance law

(The Center Square) – A former county board candidate...

David Perdue to serve as Trump’s ambassador to China

(The Center Square) – Former U.S. Sen. David Perdue,...

More like this
Related

Yvette Clarke To Lead a Historic Congressional Black Caucus

Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford is passing the torch as...

Justice Department Report Finds Systemic Civil Rights Violations by Memphis Police Department

The Justice Department released a 73-page report Wednesday detailing...

Evers guarantees no National Guard troops for deportations

(The Center Square) – Wisconsin’s governor says he won’t...

Snohomish County using $1.5M in ARPA funds to improve extreme weather centers

(The Center Square) – Snohomish County is utilizing $1.5...