The Dark Side of AI
AI isn’t just for chatting or gaming, it’s also transforming how images and videos are created and shared online. Deepfake technology, which uses AI to manipulate photos and videos, can produce highly realistic – but fake – content. Unfortunately, this includes explicit content involving children, which can have devastating consequences for victims.
Beyond the immediate harm, these explicit deepfake images can be used in sextortion, cyberbullying, and other forms of exploitation, affecting a child’s mental health, self-esteem, and trust in others.
How Exploitation Happens
Understanding the tactics and terminology can help parents intervene early:
Deepfakes: AI can take a child’s photo and alter it to create sexualized or harmful images. These fake images can circulate online without the child’s (or parent’s) knowledge.
Sextortion: Offenders may threaten to share explicit material unless children produce more images or pay money. This can happen to both boys and girls, though patterns may differ. For instance, young boys may send a single explicit image, often under the impression that it is harmless or private, only to be threatened afterward with demands for money or more content. On the other hand, young girls may be threatened with the images they have already shared unless they continue sending additional material.
Emotional Impact: Victims can experience shame, anxiety, depression, and a profound loss of trust in adults and peers – which can have long-term effects on their mental and physical well-being.
The Canadian Centre for Child Protection[1] reports thousands of AI-generated sexualized images of children are circulated online each year. Law enforcement emphasizes that creating, sharing, or possessing these images is a serious crime in Canada, and children should never be blamed for exploitation that is not their fault.
What Parents Can Do
Parents play a crucial role in keeping children safe online:
- Stay alert: Watch for secretive behavior, unusual moods, or changes in online activity. A child suddenly deleting accounts or avoiding discussions about online interactions may be a red flag.
- Know where to report: Cybertip.ca[2] is Canada’s national tipline for reporting online sexual exploitation. Reports are anonymous and confidential, and law enforcement takes action quickly.
- Educate children: Teach kids never to share private images, passwords, or personal information online. Reinforce that they should come to you if something feels wrong or makes them uncomfortable.
- Encourage open communication: Avoid shaming or blaming; children are more likely to disclose uncomfortable situations if they feel supported.
Practice “what-if” conversations. For example, “If someone online asked you for a photo, how would you respond?” This helps children recognize inappropriate requests and feel confident to say no.
Takeaway for Parents
AI can be a powerful tool, but it can also be misused in harmful ways. Understanding the risks, spotting warning signs, and having a clear reporting plan empowers parents to act quickly. By staying informed and maintaining open communication, you can help your child navigate the digital world safely and build resilience against online exploitation.
For more information, find additional links below:
Defend Dignity’s Digital handbook: Learn | Defend Dignity
Follow us on Instagram: @defend_dignity
Check out our webinar series: Digital Dignity Webinar Series – Defend Dignity
[1] Canadian Centre for Child Protection, “Police and Child Protection Agency Say Parents Need to Know About Sexually Explicit AI Deepfakes,” June 18, 2024, https://protectchildren.ca/en/press-and-media/news-releases/2024/AI-deepfakes.
[2] Report unwanted online behaviour here: https://cybertip.ca/en/report/
Holly Wood
Advocacy & Research Coordinator