This social media graphic was released by authorities in Australia as they investigated a deeply disturbing case. Digitally altered pornographic images of female classmates were distributed at one local high school. This incident has started an important dialogue around the dangers of deepfake technology and image-based abuse. Now experts and law enforcement are deeply watching as these problems only worsen.
Professor Nicola Henry from La Trobe University is one of the foremost researchers into the effects of online and offline sexual abuse. She adds that consent is more than just the physical aspect. She emphasizes the need for parents to have these conversations, and talk about what it means when something becomes a digital image. “We really need to extend conversations about consent to digital imagery as well,” states Professor Henry.
With the recent growth of deepfake technology, it’s more than ever become dangerously simple to produce and share harmful manipulative content. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant says complaints of deepfake abuse have jumped more than six-fold in the past year. This concerning trend should heighten trust and safety concerns for all minors in online spaces.
The Scope of Image-Based Abuse
Image-based abuse is increasing, and it’s deadly serious. The rapid and terrifying advancement of technology has created the most convenient means of producing deceptively compelling fake images and videos, exacerbating this threat even further. Dr. Joel Scanlan, an old hand at picking apart the technical and social harms of the internet, cautions that these tools have a terrible potential for misuse. To accomplish these aims, nudify tools can be embedded in seemingly innocuous applications, such as fashion apps, he points out. This creates a real challenge for parents to monitor their kids’ online activities.
“There’s potential that people might use those tools to generate a bikini image, for example, that might fly under the radar of these app stores,” warns Professor Henry. These advances are a serious threat to young people who, unaware of the dangers, may just stumble upon or download these toxic apps.
Moreover, Safewise has reported that phone users can easily disguise apps by changing their names and icons or creating shortcuts, further complicating parental oversight. As kids spend more time online than ever, they are not always educated on the risks that hide behind seemingly harmless apps.
The Role of Parents in Navigating Digital Safety
Given these issues, there’s no substitute for parental involvement in keeping kids safe online. Professionals urge that we create spaces for discussion around consent, body autonomy, and how AI operates in virtual spaces. Dr. Scanlan warns against making the fight against data privacy breaches solely about banning specific apps, claiming these initiatives can be misplaced. Instead, he recommends that parents focus on fostering an environment of trust and open communication with their kids.
Keep your tone supportive and not judgmental. Even if something bad does occur, your kid will be less afraid to approach you, advises Julie Inman Grant. Professor Henry adds that “those authoritarian punishments can be quite harmful,” emphasizing the importance of creating a safe space for children to discuss their experiences.
By integrating discussions about AI and the internet into everyday conversations, parents can better equip their children to navigate the potential dangers of digital life. This proactive approach has been key in creating the environment to help young people identify and combat image-based abuse.
Government Response and Future Considerations
The government’s action comes in direct response to growing concerns over deepfake technology and image-based abuse. They have called for action to geoblock sites identified as harmful. Experts warn that these initiatives won’t be enough to solve the problem. The anonymity and lack of accountability the internet provides makes it easy for dangerous content to be rehashed across platforms and sites. As a result, containment is an impossibly tall order.
Professor Henry, a member of the eSafety Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group, advocates for a more comprehensive approach that encompasses education and awareness. “In my view, the priority has to be connecting with the young person, finding out what’s going on for them, and being able to open up those conversations to work through what the next steps are,” she explains.
Well as technology continues to advance, the potential for abuse will certainly continue. That’s why it’s so important to educate parents and guardians about the risks of deepfakes and image-based abuse. This information is crucial to ensure that children do not become future victims.
