Growing demand for AI-generated images of violence among Dark Web users

A study conducted by Anglia Ruskin University has revealed a disturbing trend: the demand for images of child sexual abuse created by artificial intelligence is growing on the Dark Web. This is a new, dangerous trend in the activities of online criminals that requires immediate attention from both the scientific community and law enforcement agencies.

Online criminals are actively exploring AI capabilities

Over the past 12 months, researchers Dr. Deanna Davy and Professor Sam Lundrigan have been analyzing chats that took place on dark web forums. They found that participants in these forums are actively sharing knowledge and skills on how to use artificial intelligence to create images of child sexual abuse. The forums distribute manuals and videos with detailed instructions to facilitate learning, and share tips and tricks with each other. This indicates a high level of interest among offenders in the development and use of such technologies.

AI-generated images: a new form of threat

The analysis of the chats showed that many forum participants use their own materials without the involvement of artificial intelligence to improve their image creation skills. Some of them call the creators of AI images “artists,” while others hope for further development of the technology to facilitate the process of creating such materials.

Dr. Devi noted that the issue of creating images of child sexual abuse using AI is rapidly gaining momentum. He emphasized the importance of further research to understand how these images are created, how widely they are distributed, and what impact they have on the pathways of offenders.

Afterword

The trend of creating and disseminating images of child sexual abuse using artificial intelligence on the Dark Web is not only an alarming signal, but also a call for immediate action. A common misconception is that such images “do not harm victims,” but this is far from the truth. Attackers use real images of children, manipulating them and creating new, more violent versions of the content. This problem requires immediate attention and action by everyone who has the ability to influence the situation. In the digital age, the latest technologies, such as artificial intelligence, can become both a tool for progress and a powerful weapon in the hands of criminals.