Artificial Intelligence Sextortion Alert
- June 15, 2023
- 0
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned the public that attackers create content (commonly known as “deepfakes”) by manipulating photos or videos to target victims. In
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned the public that attackers create content (commonly known as “deepfakes”) by manipulating photos or videos to target victims.
In particular, they warn that technological advances are constantly improving the quality, personalization, and accessibility of content creation through artificial intelligence (AI).
The FBI continues to receive reports of victims, including minor children and adults without consent whose photos or videos have been manipulated into explicit content.
The photos or videos are then publicly shared on social media or pornographic sites in order to prosecute victims or scams. sextortion.
Explicit content creation
The FBI alert says attackers are using content manipulation technologies and services to exploit photos and videos.
These materials are usually taken from the person’s social media account, from the open Internet, or requested from the victim. They are used in sexually themed images that appear to be alive in the likeness of the victim, to be shared on social media, public forums, or pornographic websites.
Many victims, including minors, are unaware that their images have been copied, manipulated and shared until another person brought it to their attention, the US government report says.
The photos are then sent directly to the victims by the perpetrators for sex trafficking or harassment, or until they are found online.
Once it spreads, victims can face significant challenges in preventing fake content from being permanently distributed or removed from the Internet.
Sextortion and harassment
Sex extortion, which can violate various federal criminal laws in the United States (and in Mexico thanks to the Olympia Law), involves forcing victims to provide photos or videos of a sexual nature and then threatening to share them publicly or with family and the victim. Friends.
The key motives for doing so are the desire to obtain more illegal content, to gain financial gain, or to intimidate and harass others.
The perpetrators used the falsified photos or videos to extort ransoms from the victims or to obtain other demands (such as sending nude photos).
As of April 2023, the FBI has observed an increase in sexual extortion victims reporting the use of fake images or videos created from content posted on their social media sites or web posts, provided to the attacker upon request, or captured during video chats.
According to recent reports from victims, attackers typically demanded payment (eg money, gift cards) with threats to share images or videos with family or friends on social media if the funds were not received.
In addition, perpetrators often require the victim to provide images or videos of a sexual nature.
FBI recommendations
The FBI is urging the public to exercise caution when posting or sending personal photos, videos and identifying information on social media, dating apps and other online sites.
Although images and videos appear harmless when posted or shared, they can provide copious content for attackers to use for criminal purposes.
This scheme leaves people vulnerable to long-term exposure, harassment, extortion, financial loss or re-victimization.
The FBI recommends that the public consider the following when sharing content (such as photos and videos) or interacting with people online:
Source: Aristegui Noticias
As an experienced journalist and author, Mary has been reporting on the latest news and trends for over 5 years. With a passion for uncovering the stories behind the headlines, Mary has earned a reputation as a trusted voice in the world of journalism. Her writing style is insightful, engaging and thought-provoking, as she takes a deep dive into the most pressing issues of our time.
