In a remarkable and unprecedented move, attorneys general from all 50 states and four territories have joined forces to send a collective letter to Congress, urging action to address the increasing problem of AI-generated child pornography. The attorneys general highlight the urgency of the situation and express deep concern for the safety of children in their respective jurisdictions. This bipartisan effort aims to tackle the exploitation of children through the use of AI technologies, particularly open-source image synthesis tools.
The letter emphasizes the ease with which AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) can be created. Anyone can download AI tools to their computer and generate explicit images by simply typing in a short description of what they want to see. The lack of regulation in this area allows these tools to be used in an unrestricted and unpoliced manner, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies.
However, the issue extends beyond the creation of traditional CSAM. The attorneys general highlight the disturbing use of AI-generated deepfakes, which involve creating fake images by studying real photographs of abused children. This technology can overlay the faces of unvictimized children onto the bodies of abused children, producing new and highly disturbing content.
The spread of AI-generated child pornography has already been noted, with thousands of explicit images now flooding dark web forums. Predators are capitalizing on the increasingly sophisticated nature of AI chatbots, which are known for generating lifelike images. Exploiting these chatbots, amateur coders are able to create realistic child pornographic material, thereby contributing to the growth of the child exploitation market.
The attorneys general argue that AI-generated images, even when they do not involve real children, still constitute a form of abuse. These technologies normalize child abuse and fuel the desires of those seeking to sexualize children. Hence, it is crucial to establish effective measures to address this issue and protect vulnerable populations.
To this end, the attorneys general propose two primary recommendations. First, they call for the creation of an expert commission dedicated to addressing the exploitation of children through AI technologies. Such a commission would operate on an ongoing basis, allowing for the continuous monitoring and regulation of this rapidly evolving landscape. Second, they urge Congress to expand existing laws against CSAM, explicitly covering AI-generated materials.
The attorneys general acknowledge that finding the right balance between personal freedoms and protecting vulnerable populations is a complex task. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive study by the proposed commission to evaluate potential regulations and their impact.
In conclusion, the collective effort of attorneys general from all 50 states and four territories demonstrates a united front against the exploitation of children through AI-generated child pornography. By urging Congress to take action and establish an expert commission, they aim to address the challenges posed by these technologies and protect children from further harm. This issue requires a careful balance between personal freedoms and the safety of vulnerable populations, making the establishment of a commission essential.
