New 'Take it Down' Act Aims to Eradicate AI-Generated Explicit Images of Kids Online

It's an increasing issue unfolding through your kid's smartphone—a situation where AI generates sexually explicit pictures of children based on photographs already available online.

In April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, experts suggest this is an ideal opportunity to inform parents about sophisticated technologies aimed at children.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported that in the last two years, there have been more than 7,000 cases where AI was utilized for the sexual exploitation of children.

"All you require is an image from your prom night, or perhaps one from a cheerleading event, or something similar uploaded onto Instagram; anyone could take this photo and create a manipulated version using deepfake technology," explained Stefan Turkheimer, who serves as the Vice President of Public Policy at RAINN—the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

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Jennifer Simmons Kaleba from RAINN stated that the figure of 7,000 is "just one piece of information, yet it certainly doesn’t tell the whole story."

Based in Washington, D.C., RAINN operates a nationwide sexual assault hotline.

"We do not gather information about the visitors contacting the hotline, ensuring their anonymity. We hear terms such as 'babysitter' or 'my teacher,' which suggest that those reaching out to the hotline are indeed minors," Kaleba stated.

Kaleba mentioned that there are indicators parents should look out for.

"Watch out for signs of secrecy around the phone, as well as indications of withdrawal; these resemble symptoms typically observed in cases of sexual abuse involving children or anyone, really," Kaleba stated.

Turkheimer has been involved with the "Take it Down Act" at the federal level.

This legislation has backing from both parties and is supported by First Lady Melania Trump.

This legislation would enable victims of sexual abuse to remove their images from the web. It has been approved by the Senate and is currently under consideration in the House.

"And once it gets through the House, I am looking forward to signing that bill into law," stated President Donald Trump.

Turkheimer also notes that, similar to any piece of legislation, this bill will require time. However, he believes that the wait and hard work involved are worthwhile.

"Is it perfectly secure for children to be online all the time? Perhaps not. However, we can enhance safety measures. We should aim to improve upon the current situation," Turkheimer stated.

U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock is among those listed as co-sponsors of the Take It Down Act.

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