AI-generated child pornography threatens to overwhelm reporting system: Research
Child pornography generated by artificial intelligence (AI) could overwhelm an already inundated reporting system for online child sexual abuse material, a new report from the Stanford Internet Observatory found.
The CyberTipline, which is run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), processes and shares reports of child sexual abuse material with relevant law enforcement for further investigation.
Open-source generative AI models that can be retrained to produce the material “threaten to flood the CyberTipline and downstream law enforcement with millions of new images,” according to the report.
“One million unique images reported due to the AI generation of [child sexual abuse material] would be unmanageable with NCMEC’s current technology and procedures,” the report said.
“With the capability for individuals to use AI models to create [child sexual abuse material], there is concern that reports of such content—potentially indistinguishable from real photos of children—may divert law enforcement’s attention away from actual children in need of rescue,” it added.
Several constraints already exist on the reporting system. Only about 5 percent to 8 percent of reports to the CyberTipline result in arrests in the U.S., according to Monday’s report.
Online platforms, which are required by law to report child sexual abuse material to the CyberTipline, often fail to complete key sections in their reports.
The NCMEC also struggles to implement technological improvements and maintain staff, who are often poached by industry trust and safety teams.
The nonprofit, which was established by Congress in the 1980s, has also run into legal constraints since it has been deemed a governmental entity by the courts in recent years, the report noted.
Fourth Amendment restrictions on warrantless searches now limit the NCMEC’s ability to view files that the platforms have not previously viewed, preventing it from vetting files and causing law enforcement to waste time investigating non-actionable reports.
The report recommended that tech companies invest in child safety staffing and implementing the NCMEC's reporting API to help ensure more effective tips. It also suggested that Congress increase the NCMEC’s budget so it can offer competitive salaries and invest in technical infrastructure.
Date: |
Filter
-
Cryptofinance: Stablecoins encroach on shadow banking system
Plus, CZ gets four months and outflows from bitcoin ETFsFinancial Times - World - Crypto -
The No. 1 skill companies are hiring for is also the hardest to find, according to new research
“A strong work ethic” is the top skill companies are looking for in new hires, but is one of the hardest to find, according to new research from ADP.CNBC - Business -
Apex Legends' New Upgrade System Makes Balancing Heroes Easier
Apex Legends Season 21 is the first new season we're getting after the implementation of the legend upgrade system, a feature that allows playable characters to choose options from a skill tree to upgrade their passive, tactical, and ultimate ...GameSpot - Tech -
AI engineers report burnout and rushed rollouts as 'rat race' to stay competitive hits tech industry
AI workers across the tech industry told CNBC that the pressure to roll out features and products at breakneck speed has come to define their jobs.CNBC - Business -
When is the next general election?
The next UK general election has to be held by 28 January 2025, but could take place earlier.BBC News - Top stories -
Yellen argues that undercutting democracy threatens economic growth
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will argue in a Friday speech that democracy is under threat and that undercutting it will, in turn, threaten economic growth.MarketWatch - Business -
The ICC is flirting with disaster with threatened warrants against Israel
The U.S., and indeed all western allies, cannot stand idly by now as the court is dragged into irredeemable disrepute.The Hill - Politics - Israel -
Hundreds charged in error for child leisure cards
The discount cards were supposed to be offered free of charge for Better leisure centres across Belfast.BBC News - Top stories
More from The Hill
-
5 ways the US can drive the world’s AI agenda
The U.S. must use its budding domestic initiatives to lead the way on AI governance, ensuring that AI does not become a tool of authoritarians. Our future depends on it.The Hill - Politics -
Trump rails against Cohen call evidence at hush money trial
Former President Trump on Friday complained about a recording of a phone call between him and Michael Cohen played as evidence during his hush money trial. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, said the tape, “while good for my case, was cut off at ...The Hill - Politics - Donald Trump -
Civil rights leaders blast Supreme Court at their doorstep
Civil rights leaders from around the nation gathered in D.C. on Friday to protest book bans and rising attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), saying limitations on education were hurting teachers, students and democracy as a whole. ...The Hill - Politics -
Hope Hicks notes 'irony' of Cohen blowing off Karen McDougal leak: Live updates
Former President Trump’s ex-political adviser Hope Hicks is on the witness stand in his hush money trial in Manhattan where she is detailing the chaos that enveloped his 2016 campaign. Hicks, once a close confidant of Trump’s campaign and after he ...The Hill - Politics -
Cuellar, wife indicted on bribery charges
Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and his wife were indicted Friday on charges related to accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes and laundering the funds. The indictment filed by the Justice Department details payments Cuellar allegedly accepted both from ...The Hill - Politics