The UK government has unveiled new plans to crack down on criminal networks profiting from online child sexual abuse, including those using artificial intelligence-generated images. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced the initiative during a summit with Britain's "Five Eyes" allies.
The Home Office said ministers are working with the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada to develop new tools targeting how abusers monetise their crimes. These methods include live streaming, selling access to content and hacking accounts.
New technology tools
The work could include developing capabilities to identify AI-generated images of abuse. Officials also plan to limit law enforcement officers' exposure to abusive material by using AI to categorise images through the Child Abuse Image Database.
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips said: "Child sexual abuse is a horrific abuse of power that causes devastating harm to lives. The chance to profit from this suffering fuels these crimes. That's why we're taking action to stop those who try to make money from it. As part of our Plan for Change, we're working closely with our international partners, but we also need tech companies and the financial sector to step up and help detect and disrupt abuse."
Rising threat from AI content
The Internet Watch Foundation reported earlier this year that AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse have skyrocketed in numbers and are now "indistinguishable" from real footage. The charity said confirmed reports of such images had risen by 400 per cent in July.
The announcement comes after the Five Eyes nations signed an agreement on Monday for closer cooperation on tackling irregular migration and returning people with no right to remain in any of the allied countries.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
