March 24, 2025 / News, SafetyNet®

Cyberchat #13

Dear Friend,

The future is here and it’s not quite what I expected. Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow and expand into all areas of our lives, and we are still waiting for some of the laws to catch up with the dangers this presents to our children. Let’s continue to enjoy the benefits that advancements in technology bring while also safeguarding against the threats they create. Now is the time to have a dialogue with our kids about how to safely navigate the world of AI.

With you in solidarity,

WENDY WADDELL
SafetyNet® Program Manager

Artificial Intelligence – A Mixed Bag

Artificial intelligence (AI) is defined as a set of technologies that enable computers to perform a variety of advanced functions. With these technological advancements, there are pros and cons. For example, some argue robotaxis (self-driving cars) are a good thing because they can reduce accidents due to human error. Others consider robotaxis a danger to society. Whether you are for or against self-driving cards, they will be coming to our streets soon.

AI-created artwork may be redefining the art industry. A humanoid robot artist called Ai-Da “creates” art using camera lenses and algorithms. But is it truly art if a machine is making it? AI-created art often uses elements from other works of art without crediting the original artist, which is plagiarism. How do we hold an algorithm accountable? These are just a few things to think about as we enter a new AI-centric era.

The Good

Recently, a missing girl was reunited with her father due to artificial intelligence. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children had a photo of the girl when she was two years old. When the case was reopened 25 years later, investigators were able to utilize AI technology to create a photo of what she would look like at age 27. This new photo that they released led to her discovery.

Artificial intelligence has improved crime solving. AI algorithms have been used to identify gunshot pattern signatures and have improved DNA analysis. AI can detect extremely small amounts of DNA and extract DNA from evidence that predates testing.

Researchers have argued that artificial intelligence assists them in developing cures and treatments for illnesses because AI can process and sort through data quickly. Some people believe that AI provides enhanced cybersecurity because programs can be set up across entire networks to identify attacks in advance.

The Bad

Artificial intelligence has led to a rise in deepfakes. Deepfakes are images, videos, or audio of a person in which their face, body, or voice has been digitally altered so that they appear to be someone else. These videos are typically used maliciously and can spread false information.

A female news anchor was alerted by a friend that someone had created a fake Facebook profile impersonating her. She later discovered that a scammer had used this fake profile to reach out to followers and catfish them. The victim believed he was in a relationship with a celebrity because the videos of her “talking to him” looked real. Why were the videos so convincing? They were created using videos she had posted on her Instagram account. With a little AI technology, her voice was altered to say whatever the scammer wanted.

Another problem on the rise is pornographic deepfakes. Generative artificial intelligence has made it easy to create highly realistic explicit imagery with minimal effort.

These videos and images have been used against women, including young girls. According to a recent study, 1 in 10 teenagers aged 13 to 17—said they know someone who has been the target of deepfake nude imagery, and 1 in 17 have been targeted themselves. The following quote from San Diego – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Commander Monica Robinson sheds light on the rise of AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“We are receiving more and more cases involving artificial images. Many of these images are used to blackmail or extort victims. However, sometimes, the victims do not even know these images exist. The original image was posted online and then manipulated through AI software that changed the image and removed clothing or swapped bodies and the new image is now explicit. Although fake, it can be very difficult to tell and still very harmful.”

If you come across a pornographic deepfake or other CSAM, report it to your local law enforcement agency. You can also submit cyber tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or contact your local Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force office.

Although it may be impossible to completely avoid AI-alteration, here are some tips you can take to help safeguard your photos and videos:

Keep your social media accounts private
Turn off your location settings
Watermark your videos and images
Apply filters or artistic effects
Post lower-resolution images
Obscure parts of your face

Resources

The Police Foundation recently received a grant from Qualcomm to propel the success of our SafetyNet® program. Qualcomm is helping us bridge the “digital divide”, ensuring schools in underserved communities have access to vital cyber safety education at no cost to schools or their families. With nearly 600 Title One schools in San Diego County, there is a tremendous need to level the playing field for all students. Together with Qualcomm, we are building a brighter future for all.

Join us in bridging the digital divide!

DONATE

SafetyNet: Smart Cyber Choices® is a collaborative program of the San Diego Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SD-ICAC) and the San Diego Police Foundation. It is designed to help kids, parents, educators, and concerned adults learn how to keep kids safe online.

LEARN MORE