How to protect kids, yourself from becoming easy AI targets - The Columbus Dispatch

How to protect kids, yourself from becoming easy AI targets

- Artificial intelligence can be used to create or alter images, including for nefarious purposes.

- Parents can protect children by being mindful of what they share online and utilizing privacy settings.

- Monitoring a child's social media use and educating them about AI risks are recommended safety measures.

- If you discover such images, it is crucial to report them to the police immediately.

Artificial intelligence can be scary, as it quickly evolves and people wanting to use sophisticated tools to create pornographic images have found ways to use it nefariously.

There are two categories of AI images: AI-generated and AI-assisted. The first are typically considered those that are wholly created by technology through prompts like "create a sunset picture."

AI-assisted images are actual images that are altered through the use of technology. An image of a sunset may have clouds added or taken away or a boat added on the horizon line, for instance.

While there is not anything to stop someone from using an AI tool to create an image, there are things that parents can do to protect their kids from becoming victims.

Here are some tips:

Be mindful of what you're sharing online – and with whom

In the age of social media, parents want to share their child's every milestone and memorable moment with their friends and family. Keep tabs on how you're sharing the images and the privacy settings on your accounts.

Public postings offer someone who may be predatory a chance to access a photograph. Even if a child is fully clothed in a photograph, someone with bad intentions could download it and use AI to disrobe the child.

Checking privacy settings on postings and ensuring that those who can access photos are people you know and trust can limit this potential.

Monitor kids' social media use, even if they don't want you to

As children gain access to technology and social media, parents should monitor with whom they are communicating and what they are sharing.

Former Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said some parents have a mistaken impression that their child is entitled to privacy. However, parents have an obligation to keep their children safe, he said.

"You've got to put your big parent pants on and actually do your job," he said. "Your kids might not like you for it. They might say, 'You're invading my privacy.' That's OK. That is your job until they're 18."

Educate yourself and your children about AI

Even a basic understanding of the applications and tools that are available can help reduce possible harm. Knowing what to recognize as warning signs of someone trying to groom a child may stop them from requesting a photograph or video that could then be turned into pornography.

Open conversations with children and teens can also create a dialogue and comfort to bring concerns to you before irreparable harm is done.

It's not just kids who should be worried either

Being an adult does not make you immune from becoming a target. Nonconsensual intimate images, commonly referred to as revenge porn, are sometimes used as a means of intimidation or harassment.

Report the images or videos as soon as possible

As soon as you become aware of videos or photos being posted online, contact police to report it. Scrubbing something from the Internet completely may be difficult, if not impossible; the less time passes before authorities can take steps to flag the images, the better.

Reporter Bethany Bruner can be reached at bbruner@dispatch.com.