Latest news with #CSAM
Mint
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Mint
Big move in progress to fight AI deepfakes: Here's how Denmark plans to protect you
In an unprecedented move, Denmark is aiming to amend copyright law, which will allow citizens in the country to have the right on their body, voice and facial features amid the world dealing with the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) use. According to the Danish government, all major parties have supported the bill and will make it illegal and prohibit the use of deepfakes and other forms of 'digital imitations' that mimic a person's traits. Denmark's culture minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said, 'In the bill we agree and are sending an unequivocal message that everybody has the right to their own body, their own voice and their own facial features, which is apparently not how the current law is protecting people against generative AI", according to Guardian. 'Human beings can be run through the digital copy machine and be misused for all sorts of purposes and I'm not willing to accept that,' he added. It will also comprise 'realistic, digitally generated imitations' of an artist's work without their approval. If someone flouts the proposed rules, it could lead to compensation for those. If technology platforms fail to comply with the new legislation, they may face 'severe fines", and the issue could be escalated to the European Commission, Jakob stated. He noted, 'This is new ground we are breaking, and if the platforms are not complying with that, we are willing to take additional steps.' Deepfakes are a form of synthetic media created using artificial intelligence, particularly techniques like deep learning and generative adversarial networks (GANs). They manipulate audio, video, or images to make it appear that someone said or did something they never actually did. The abuse of AI-generated deepfakes has been evident across the globe. While some deepfakes can be pretty entertaining or even downright funny, many cause serious harm in various ways. In the US, a man was arrested in Wisconsin last year and is facing up to 70 years in prison for possessing more than 13,000 deepfake images involving Child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to reports. In another instance, in March 2024, two Florida middle school students were arrested for allegedly making nude deepfakes of their classmates. Even celebrities aren't immune. For example, Jenna Ortega was targeted by a deepfake nude app that boldly ran ads on Meta's platforms. Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks also had their faces used in ads, without their involvement, simply because someone deepfaked their images. President Donald Trump in May this year signed the 'Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilising Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act (Take It Down Act)', which mandates that websites and social media platforms must take down deepfake content within 48 hours after receiving a notice from the victim. While the law prohibits to "knowingly publish" or threat to publish intimate images without an individual's consent, comprising AI-generated deepfakes, it does not address the tools used to produce such AI-created content.
Borneo Post
16 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Filter, monitor: Every parent's role to safeguard children online
By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, Kempen Internet Selamat reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all. – AI Image KUALA LUMPUR: Today's children are more digitally connected than ever, with access to games, learning tools, and social media at their fingertips but, this connectivity brings serious risks, especially from child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Many people think only the government or police can tackle this, but experts say that keeping children safe is a shared responsibility for everyone. The Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS) continues to prioritise public education on the importance of digital safety, especially in addressing the threat of CSAM. The campaign promotes practical tools and family-based strategies to empower parents in their role as digital guardians. By equipping families to monitor, communicate, and set healthy boundaries online, KIS reinforces the message that internet safety starts at home but requires the involvement of all. 'Addressing CSAM is not solely the responsibility of the police or the government, it is a responsibility we all share,' says David Ho, Founder and Executive director of Navigator Asia Business Sdn Bhd and parent. David Ho With predators exploiting every gap in oversight and awareness, a collective approach is essential to build multiple layers of protection. The Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 in Malaysia further underscores this collective responsibility, requiring anyone who becomes aware of child sexual abuse to report it immediately. Parents and guardians are the first line of defense against these threats. Ho emphasises that 'parents need to build open communication with their children, making it safe for them to discuss uncomfortable issues.' By creating an environment where children feel comfortable sharing, parents can identify early signs of grooming or inappropriate behavior. Monitoring is another crucial component where parents should regularly check their children's devices, friend lists, and browsing history. Setting clear digital boundaries through family internet agreements can help outline appropriate online behavior, define prohibited websites, and establish consequences for violations. Ho also stresses that 'families need to stay informed about the latest trends and risks to guide their children effectively.' In addition to proactive parenting, technology provides powerful tools for safeguarding children online. Parental control software like Bark and Qustodio offers comprehensive features including content filtering, screen time management, and AI-based monitoring of social media interactions. These solutions help detect issues such as cyberbullying, inappropriate texting, and mental health red flags before they escalate. At the network level, router-based parental controls can block harmful content for all devices connected to the home Wi-Fi. Device-specific controls, often built into smartphones and tablets, allow parents to set screen time limits and restrict access to age-inappropriate content. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), together with local telcos, has introduced initiatives to make these tools more accessible to families nationwide. Content filtering technologies are also indispensable in the fight against online exploitation. Automated systems leveraging cryptographic hashing and AI-powered image classifiers can detect and block CSAM in real time. These systems adapt to new tactics as predators evolve, preventing exposure to harmful content and supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting detected material. Despite these tools, the most advanced technology cannot replace vigilance. Parents and caregivers should watch for warning signs that a child might be exposed to harmful content. Sudden changes in behavior, excessive secrecy about online activities, unexplained gifts, and knowledge of sexual topics beyond their age are all red flags. Other grooming indicators include adults isolating the child, giving gifts without parental consent, or encouraging the child to keep secrets. Community involvement plays a critical role in child online safety. Awareness campaigns, school-based digital literacy programmes, and family-centered workshops are vital for educating both children and adults. 'Community awareness increases vigilance and promotes reporting of suspicious behavior,' says Ho. Programmes such as Vietnam's 'Swipe Safe' have shown that community-driven education can significantly improve protective behaviors and awareness among young people and their families. Peer networks also empower children to support each other. When young people are educated about online safety, they are more likely to recognise grooming tactics and alert adults or friends. This peer-to-peer approach is highly effective in creating a protective environment around children. Collaboration between public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organisations further strengthens child protection efforts. Through resource sharing, joint training, and coordinated responses, these partnerships can develop advanced detection technologies and provide essential support services for victims and families. Malaysia's adoption of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection of Children from all Forms of Online Exploitation and Abuse and its national Plan of Action on Child Online Protection highlight the importance of these collaborations. Technology companies also play a significant role in combating CSAM. They must implement advanced detection systems, enforce strict age verification processes, and provide easy-to-use reporting tools for users. Transparency reports that detail efforts to combat CSAM can build public trust and encourage ongoing improvements. Furthermore, companies should maintain close cooperation with law enforcement and child protection organizations to ensure swift responses to emerging threats. Continuous updates to AI moderation systems help keep pace with new evasion techniques used by predators. Ultimately, the fight against CSAM and online exploitation requires an unwavering commitment from every sector of society. As parents, teachers, community members, and digital citizens, they all have a role in protecting children and seeing the red flags. By combining strong family communication, robust monitoring, community involvement, and technological safeguards, coming together can create a safer online environment for our children. Ho explains that parents and community, 'Make the Internet a safer place for the next generation.' This call to action serves as a powerful reminder that a community can disrupt the cycles of harm and build a digital future where children can learn, connect, and explore safely. Through collective action and constant vigilance, the solutions to these challenges are within reach. As the community continues to strengthen the defenses and educate communities, it can ensure that the internet becomes a space for growth and discovery rather than exploitation and danger.
Miami Herald
20 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Teacher preyed on 20 girls, ‘fantasized' about sex acts with MA student, feds say
A former Boston teacher would have sexual conversations with underage girls over Discord while he was at school and 'frequently fantasized about having sex' with one student who attended the school where he most recently taught, federal prosecutors said. John Magee Gavin, 35, of Brookline, messaged at least 20 minors from Canada, the U.K. and across the U.S. — including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia — and initiated sexual conversations, according to prosecutors. Some of the girls he is accused of preying on were as young as 12, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts said in a July 18 news release. Gavin was also found to have 147 files of child sexual abuse material on his iPhone, including 53 videos and 94 photos of girls and boys ages 5 to 17, according to prosecutors. Court documents say some of the images showed young girls 'being raped by an adult male.' Gavin taught science at the Josiah Quincy Upper School, a school for grades 6-12, prosecutors said. Before that job, he taught sixth grade at the Academy of the Pacific Rim Charter Public School in Hyde Park. He also worked as a paraprofessional for Brookline Public Schools, according to prosecutors. Gavin is facing one count of coercion and enticement of a minor; one count of receipt of child pornography; and one count of possession of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He was indicted July 10, when prosecutors said he was detained on related state charges. His defense attorneys did not immediately return McClatchy News' request for comment July 21. Gavin had his initial court appearance and arraignment on July 21, records show. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The Discord chats In January, investigators linked Gavin to the Discord account that had been sending sexual messages to 20 different minors, according to prosecutors. The next month, state authorities arrested him on charges including enticing a child under 16 and possession of child pornography. The Discord chats typically began with Gavin and the minors exchanging their ages and Gavin revealing he was a teacher, prosecutors wrote in federal court filings. 'The messages within the chats are largely sexual in nature with Gavin often asking sexually charged questions to the MVTs ... and requests for CSAM,' a July 18 motion in support of Gavin's pretrial detention says. The chats also showed Gavin 'allegedly engaged in online masturbation sessions with the minors' and 'included conversations in which Gavin expressed his sexual interest in certain students at Josiah Quincy,' prosecutors said. Gavin's messages with one minor showed he was sexually interested in one female freshman student at the school in particular, according to prosecutors. On Feb. 7, Boston police executed a search warrant at Gavin's home and seized several pieces of his clothes, along with other items considered evidence, court documents say. Gavin lives about a 'quarter mile from a playground' in Brookline, which is about a 5-mile drive southwest from Boston. Gavin was seen wearing the clothing, including a sleeveless shirt he wore for a race, in several photos he sent to victims, according to prosecutors. Two photos were likely taken while he was at a school, prosecutors wrote in the motion for his detention. Detention ordered In the motion, prosecutors argued Gavin is a serious flight risk, a 'danger to the community' and that the amount of evidence against him is 'overwhelming.' 'Gavin worked with children on a daily basis and was able to conceal his sexual interest in his students from his employer and the community,' the filing says. 'Additionally, the nature of Gavin's offenses is particularly disturbing considering his career as an education professional.' The Boston Herald reports Boston Public Schools immediately put Gavin on administrative leave earlier this year. During Gavin's July 21 court appearance, a federal judge granted prosecutors' motion and ordered Gavin's detention, records show. If convicted on the charge of coercion and enticement of a minor, Gavin would face at least 10 years in prison and up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He would face a minimum sentence of five years in prison and up to 20 years if convicted of receipt of child pornography, prosecutors said. If he is convicted of possessing child pornography, he would face a maximum sentence of 20 years. Concerns or suspicions about child sexual exploitation can be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline online or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
Malaysia's fight against CSAM: Why shared responsibility is key
Many adults hesitate to report CSAM when they encounter it, unsure whether they are allowed to, afraid of the stigma, or worried about making things worse for the child involved. – AI Image KUALA LUMPUR (July 20): The internet has transformed how children learn, play, and connect but it has also opened the door to new and deeply disturbing forms of harm. Among the most serious of these is the growing circulation of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), which represents a profound violation of a child's safety, dignity, and rights. In Malaysia and around the world, alarming spikes in online child sexual exploitation and abuse have made it clear that this is no longer a hidden problem. It has become a public crisis that requires urgent, collective action. The Kempen Internet Selamat (KIS) plays a pivotal role in encouraging public involvement and legal reform in the fight against CSAM. The campaign emphasises that online safety requires ordinary citizens to understand the signs, know how to report abuse, and demand accountability from platforms and policymakers. Educating the public is a vital first step in dismantling the silence that allows online child exploitation to persist. CSAM is a severe violation of a child's dignity and safety where in 2023 alone, there were 32 million reports of CSAM worldwide, with over 90 percent of the images being self-generated, often through coercion, manipulation, or blackmail. Alarmingly, cases involving very young children, even those between the ages of 3 and 6, have been on the rise. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Malaysia recorded 197,659 reports of suspected CSAM through its CyberTipline in 2024. That same year, the Internet Watch Foundation Malaysia reported 8,600 actionable cases. One of the reasons this crisis persists is the silence that surrounds it. Many adults hesitate to report CSAM when they encounter it, unsure whether they are allowed to, afraid of the stigma, or worried about making things worse for the child involved. This silence from surrounding adults is enabling harm to continue and further traumatise the victims. As Sarawak Women for Women Society (SWWS) member Gill Raja, aptly puts it, 'If we don't take appropriate action, we are complicit.' Inaction allows CSAM to circulate, and that can lead to further exploitation, blackmail, and psychological trauma for the victim. Reporting CSAM is the first step towards taking it down. Yet many people, including victims, fear that reporting could draw more attention or lead to further harm. 'This is why trusted, child-friendly channels to report are so important. Accessible, confidential reporting options must be widely known and easy to use,' Gill emphasizes. Gill also warns of the risks of turning a blind eye, 'The child could continue to be exploited and abused to create more material if those doing this remain in contact with them or have passed on their details to others.' Gill Raja She reminds us that failing to act means becoming part of the problem, 'If we don't take appropriate action, we are complicit in harming them. We need to protect each other's children to make the internet a safe place.' The good news is, everyone has a role to play in ending this. Shared responsibility is not just a slogan, it is the only viable solution. Parents, teachers, corporations, social media platforms, government agencies, non-profits, and everyday citizens all have unique roles and tools they can mobilise to fight this crisis. The internet may be vast and borderless, but so is society's capacity to protect the children if everyone acts together to protect the children. For individuals, reporting CSAM is a critical first step. Safe and confidential channels exist but remain underutilised due to lack of public awareness. Malaysians can report abuse directly via the Childline Foundation portal, which connects to the Internet Watch Foundation's global takedown system. The Talian Kasih 15999 hotline and Cyber999 portal also offer accessible, sometimes anonymous, options. As Gill highlights, 'We need more awareness and easy access so as soon as people see CSAM, they can easily see how to report. This requires a stronger response from social media platforms than we currently have. 'Every report is a crucial step in reducing stress on a child and shows that you care and are standing by them,' she says. At a community level, adults or caretakers must normalise discussions around online safety where children need to be taught, in age-appropriate and culturally relevant ways, how to protect themselves, recognise risks, and seek help. However, equally, the adults in their lives including parents, teachers, guardians must have the knowledge and tools to respond appropriately when abuse is disclosed. Gill notes that current efforts fall short. 'We need to reach all children in age, language, and culturally appropriate ways that effectively engage them, plus informing the adults in their lives too.' She stresses the need for training not only for children, but also for adults, who must understand 'how they may inadvertently put their children at risk by sharing photos online or how young people are themselves being sucked into viewing and sometimes producing CSAM.' Media and tech platforms also bear tremendous responsibility. Safety-by-design should no longer be optional. Platforms must be required to proactively screen, detect, and remove CSAM. They must offer easy-to-use reporting tools that children and adults can find without difficulty. While some platforms are making progress, others have scaled back moderation just as AI-generated CSAM is on the rise. As Gill observes, 'Some major platforms have recently cut back on their vetting processes just as we are seeing a surge of material being produced including using AI. This is unacceptable.' Laws and policies must also evolve rapidly. While Malaysia has the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, there is no legal requirement for platforms or ISPs to take down or report CSAM promptly. Nor are there age-verification or parental consent mechanisms for online access. These loopholes allow predators to exploit vulnerable users and make law enforcement's job more difficult. That's why advocates are pushing for a harmonised legal framework that outlines the responsibilities of both public institutions and private companies. A designated national lead agency with the resources and authority to coordinate efforts across sectors is essential. This body could ensure consistent reporting mechanisms, facilitate international cooperation, and manage end-to-end victim support systems including helplines, counselling and legal assistance. Access to psychological care, legal aid, and rehabilitation must be expanded to help the victims cope before trauma becomes permanent. Services must be inclusive and sensitive to each child's age, gender, ability, and background. A single, toll-free, 24/7 national child helpline staffed by trained professionals could be a lifeline. Prevention efforts should also include nationwide digital literacy campaigns that teach children and adults about healthy online behaviour, consent, and boundaries. Ultimately, protecting children online is not the sole responsibility of parents, teachers, or the police. It is a collective duty. 'Today we are part of a huge global, internet 'village,'' says Gill. 'We have to give children a path back. Every time we educate, report, and intervene, we are part of the solution.' This is not just about fighting abuse. It is about defending every child's right to grow up free from exploitation and fear. Every child deserves that chance and every adult has the power to make it happen. child pornography CSAM Gill Raja lead
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Eagle Mountain man arrested for paying 13-year-old for sexual photos, documents say
This article contains information about alleged child sexual abuse material. Report CSAM to law enforcement by contacting the ICAC Tip Line at (801) 281-1211 or your local law enforcement agency. EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah () — An Eagle Mountain man has been arrested and charged with sending payments to a 13-year-old girl in exchange for sexual photos. Jaxson Thomas Fox, 22, has been charged with 18 counts of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, a first-degree felony, and two counts of voyeurism, a Class A misdemeanor. According to documents, an investigator with the Utah County Sheriff's Office was sent a CyberTip referral from the Little Rock Police Department involving a case in their jurisdiction where a 13-year-old female child was exchanging sexual photos of herself with an adult man for money. American Fork woman accused of conspiring to murder husband pleads guilty The adult man, later identified as Fox, was sending the 13-year-old child payments over Apple Pay and making specific requests for the minor, making her create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of herself and share it with him. A search warrant was obtained for Fox's residence, and police interviewed him regarding the incident. Fox allegedly admitted to meeting the underage child through social media and said that he knew she was a minor. He said that he would send the 13-year-old payments in exchange for fulfilling his requests and creating CSAM. Graphic sexual messages from Fox to the 13-year-old were located, and his payments to the underage girl totaled around $430, documents say. Previously, Fox had faced charges for uploading CSAM in 2022, but a search warrant served on his residence did not return anything because he was out of town, and police were not aware that he lived there. They spoke with the homeowners, who did not possess any CSAM, and the case was closed. Payson man allegedly sexually abused 14-year-old in church parking lot During the police interview, he allegedly told police that he was the one who had uploaded the CSAM in that 2022 incident. Fox also admitted that he had sent and received CSAM from other individuals and has a 'sexual interest' in young teenagers. Police discovered that Fox had access to a girl around this age, but he stated that he had not done anything to her. The detective investigating the case located CSAM on Fox's phone, as well as two videos where he secretly recorded adult women in changing rooms at a store. Fox was booked into the Utah County Jail and is currently being held without bail. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Latest headlines: Republicans eye efforts to quiet Epstein uproar but can't quash it Utah spends the 3rd lowest amount of income on childcare in nation: Wallethub Utah's air tanker bases have already used 1.2 million gallons of retardant fighting wildfires One dead after Orem house fire Friday morning Officials warn of potential flash floods in burn scars and Zion National Park Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
