Police in the UK are battling a rising ‘nuclear arms race’ against artificial intelligence (AI) as they encounter an alarming increase in deep fake sexual abuse images on devices seized from offenders. DCI James Gray of Essex Police reported a significant uptick in AI-generated child abuse images found during investigations, correlating with a staggering 38,685 reported child sexual abuse offenses last year. The government is responding by proposing new laws to criminalize the creation and distribution of deep fake images, with potential sentences of up to two years.
DCI Gray emphasized the challenges AI presents; as detection technology improves, so does the sophistication of those using it for exploitation. The rise in secret photo vault apps disguising illegal material further complicates investigations. Ministers are committed to safeguarding children, with Jess Phillips highlighting ongoing efforts under new legislation to hold offenders accountable and ensure platforms remove harmful content. This proactive approach aims to bolster online safety.
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