AI Being Used to Create Realistic Child Abuse Material, Warns Police

COLOMBO (News 1st); As artificial intelligence continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Sri Lanka Police have warned that the nature of online threats faced by children is changing just as quickly, with AI-generated child sexual abuse material emerging as one of the most serious technological dangers confronting families today.

In a public awareness statement published on the official social media platforms of Sri Lanka Police, authorities highlighted the growing threat posed by AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), describing it as a significant challenge to child safety in the digital age.

Police explained that, in the past, child sexual abuse material circulating online typically consisted of photographs or videos involving children who had actually been subjected to abuse. However, advancements in artificial intelligence now allow criminals to manipulate ordinary photographs of children and generate highly realistic nude or abusive images without the child's knowledge or involvement.

Authorities cautioned that such technology poses a serious threat to children's privacy, dignity and mental well-being, while creating new opportunities for exploitation, harassment and online abuse.

The police also outlined several warning signs that may indicate a child is experiencing online threats, coercion or undue influence. These include quickly closing or hiding screens when someone approaches while using a mobile phone or computer, suddenly increasing privacy restrictions on social media accounts or creating new online profiles, as well as displaying signs of anxiety, distress, guilt or a tendency to withdraw from family and friends.

Parents and guardians have been urged to maintain open and friendly conversations with children about the dangers that exist online and the risks associated with interacting with strangers through digital platforms.

Sri Lanka Police also advised parents to take greater care when sharing photographs of children on social media. Authorities recommended using private privacy settings instead of public access options and encouraged parents to educate children about the risks of sharing personal photographs with unknown individuals online.

In addition, police have called on parents to actively monitor the websites, applications and online platforms accessed by children and to make use of available technological safeguards and parental protection tools wherever possible.

Emphasizing the need for collective responsibility, Sri Lanka Police noted that protecting children in an increasingly digital world begins with awareness. As technology becomes more sophisticated, parents, educators and guardians must remain informed, vigilant and proactive in safeguarding children from evolving online threats.