Growing demand on the dark web for AI abuse images

A recent study has revealed a troubling trend regarding the use of emerging technologies to create harmful images of children. Conducted by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University, the study highlights a growing interest among online offenders in generating child sexual abuse material using artificial intelligence, or AI. Dr. Deanna Davy and Professor Sam Lundrigan, the researchers behind the study, analyzed discussions that took place in dark web forums over the past year. Their findings indicate that members of these forums are actively seeking out information on how to produce AI-generated images of child abuse. They are accessing various guides and instructional videos online, and they are sharing advice and techniques with one another. This alarming trend points to an increasing demand for such content on the dark web.

The analysis also revealed that some forum members are utilizing their own collection of non-AI content as a learning tool to help them create these AI-generated images. Interestingly, some individuals in these forums refer to themselves as 'artists' when discussing their work in this area. There is a sense of hope among them that advancements in technology will make it easier to produce this type of material. Dr. Davy emphasized that AI-generated child sexual abuse material is a rapidly escalating issue. She stated, 'We need to understand a great deal more about precisely how offenders are creating it, how widely it is being shared, and the impact it is having on offender pathways.

One of the most concerning aspects of this study is the misconception that AI-generated images are 'victimless. ' Dr. Davy pointed out that this belief is far from the truth. The research found that many offenders are sourcing images of real children to manipulate them into creating these AI-generated images. Furthermore, discussions among forum members often revolve around their desire for more extreme content, with a clear escalation from 'softcore' to 'hardcore' imagery. This highlights the urgent need for awareness and action to combat the growing threat posed by these technologies.