By Didi Ellis
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of society, influencing sectors from healthcare and business to entertainment and law enforcement. AI offers powerful tools for solving complex problems but also introduces new challenges. One area impacted by AI is child protection, as the technology is being used both to combat and facilitate child abuse.
While AI assists law enforcement in detecting and preventing child exploitation, it also enables predators to create realistic but fake pictures or videos, or deepfakes, which can help predators evade detection.
In a recent case, general pictures of children and women were used to create pornographic content by attaching their faces to AI-generated bodies. Even when images are artificially manipulated, the harm to victims is profound and tangible. A significant challenge in such cases involves determining the appropriate channels for reporting, identifying responsible authorities, and understanding the legal actions available. Lawmakers and law enforcement must adapt, ensuring victims have clear avenues for justice.
Victims’ rights and Mississippi laws
In Mississippi, House Bill 1126 makes it illegal to create, share, or own AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Even if the body in the picture is fake, using a real child’s face is a crime. Offenders can face jail time and large fines. Victims can also take legal action against those responsible.
Mississippi also passed Senate Bill 2577, which makes it illegal to create and share fake AI images or videos meant to harm, spread false information, or trick people. Anyone who breaks this law could face up to five years in prison and fines up to $50,000.
How law enforcement uses AI
Police now use AI to find criminals who create and share deepfake images. AI can scan the internet, find harmful content, and trace it to its source. This helps law enforcement identify and arrest offenders faster. AI is also used to remove illegal content so victims do not suffer from their images being spread.
If you have information about AI being used to create Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in Mississippi, report it promptly to the appropriate authorities. Here are the steps you should take:
- Mississippi Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force: This specialized unit, hosted by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, focuses on combating online child exploitation. 601-359-3680
- Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS): To report suspected child abuse or neglect, including cases involving CSAM, call the MDCPS hotline at 1-800-222-8000 or submit a report online through their reporting portal.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): NCMEC operates the CyberTipline, a centralized reporting system for cases of child sexual exploitation. Reports can be made at CyberTipline.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678.
When making a report, provide as much detail as possible about the suspected CSAM, including any information about the individuals involved, the nature of the content, and how it was discovered. Reporting such material is not only a moral responsibility but also a legal obligation in Mississippi. Timely reporting can help protect children from further harm and assist in bringing perpetrators to justice.
This awareness campaign is part of a statewide initiative of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi to educate communities on this important issue.
Didi Ellis is executive director of Kids Hub Child Advocacy Center.