Police in 20 countries have dismantled a criminal network that distributed child sexual abuse images generated with artificial intelligence (AI), Europol announced, quoted by "Politico", reports News.bg.
The operation, one of the first of its kind, covered Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and led to 25 arrests, 33 searches and the seizure of 173 devices. The investigation was coordinated by Denmark.
Investigation begins with an arrest in Denmark
The investigation began after the arrest of a man in Denmark in November last year who had created and distributed AI-generated child sexual abuse images. He operated an online platform accessible via a password after payment.
“These artificially created images can be generated extremely easily by people with criminal intent but without serious technical knowledge,“ said Europol Executive Director Catherine De Bolle.
According to her, artificial intelligence significantly increases the distribution of such material, making it more difficult to identify perpetrators and victims.
Legislative gaps and EU response
Among the countries participating in the operation are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, etc.
Europol emphasizes that many countries lack specific legislation regulating child sexual abuse content generated with AI.
The European Union is still negotiating a draft law proposed by the European Commission in 2022, but member states have not reached a consensus.
“The ability to quickly and easily create content through AI is becoming an increasing challenge for law enforcement agencies,“ Europol warns.
In response, the agency is planning an information campaign that will warn about the threats from the illegal use of artificial intelligence.