Digital Child Abuse Enabled by AI

GS II-Ethics

The International AI Safety Report 2025 and a proposed UK legislation criminalising AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) have brought global attention to the dark side of artificial intelligence.

What is Digital Child Abuse via AI?

This form of abuse involves the creation, distribution, or possession of CSAM using artificial intelligence, particularly tools like generative AI, deepfakes, and image-synthesis technologies. These outputs may feature non-existent children, yet simulate real abuse scenarios.

Mechanisms of Abuse

• Synthetic Imagery & Video:
  Generative AI can fabricate highly realistic visuals, audios, or videos of minors without any physical interaction.
• Photo Manipulation:
  Existing images are altered using AI to produce exploitative content.
• Use of AI Platforms:
  Deepfake tools, virtual avatars, and AI art generators are being misused for producing illicit and harmful material.

Key Concerns and Impacts

• Psychological Harm:
  Even if real children are not depicted, such content promotes a culture that normalises exploitation, leading to long-term societal and individual trauma.
• Legal Gaps:
  Many existing laws, including those in India, do not penalise synthetic CSAM, making prosecution difficult.
• Anonymity of Offenders:
  Offenders often operate anonymously, leveraging the sophistication of AI and encrypted platforms to avoid detection.
• Rapid Global Spread:
  AI-generated CSAM can spread swiftly across borders via VPNs, cloud storage, and the dark web.
• Erosion of Safe Online Spaces:
  The misuse of AI weakens trust in digital platforms and jeopardizes online child protection mechanisms.