Increased cases of boys being blackmailed for explicit photos: perpetrators frequently employ artificial intelligence to extort victims
Technology-Fueled Coercion: The Surge of Sextortion Using AI-Generated Images
The world of digital blackmail, specifically sextortion, is becoming increasingly complex and pervasive - especially among younger victims.
Of particular concern: Perpetrators are increasingly employing Artificial Intelligence to fabricate lifelike images. A significant case in the USA is currently under scrutiny, while the number of victims in Austria is also gradually rising.
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Recently, a case surfaced in Kentucky, USA, where a 16-year-old teen was targeted by unknown individuals who sent him AI-fake nudes and demanded a $3,000 payment. The images portrayed him in compromising positions, although none existed previously. The FBI, an international security agency, confirmed this trend. "AI facilitates the construction of believable blackmail scenarios," the US agency stated.
Increase in Austria Also Alarming
A troubling trend is also evident in Austria: According to counseling service Rat auf Draht, the number of sextortion cases increased by roughly 20 percent in 2024, amounting to 327 counseling sessions on the issue. Boys and young men (accounting for 72 percent of counseling sessions) are most affected, but the number of girls and women victimized is also on the rise.
Younger Targets: Children as Young as 11 Affected
Notably, the age group with the most significant increase consists of 11 to 14-year-olds, marking an increase of 178 percent. A spokesperson from Rat auf Draht, a social pedagogue, explained the reasons for this: "Youth are particularly vulnerable because perpetrators exploit their desire for friendship, romance, and confirmation, and many exhibit heightened susceptibility during phases of loneliness."
Perpetrators Adhere to a Clear Strategy
Perpetrators, often using fake identities, approach young people through social networks, online games, or dating platforms. Initially, they relied more on apparent trust to obtain nude pictures from victims, but now they create their own blackmail material. A few pictures of the victim, easily accessible online, are enough for this purpose. Tools like DeepNude clones (originally banned in 2019 but still circulating as open source) generate nude images from simple T-shirt photos.
What to Do?
The experts and professionals at Rat auf Draht advise the following in the event of blackmail:
- Do not succumb to demands, do not send money
- Immediately cut off contact
- Secure evidence (e.g., screenshots)
- Prevent further distribution using tools (Take It Down, STOPNCII)
- Report blackmail on platforms
- File a police report
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Prevention is Key
"Preemptively, it's essential to educate children and young people about risks, encourage a critical perspective on online contacts, and teach them that they can firmly say no in uncomfortable situations and seek assistance from a trusted individual at any time," says Social Pedagogue Piriwe regarding prevention efforts.
Resources and Support
- O3 Care Number: 116 123 (daily from 16:00 to 24:00)
- Advice on the Wire: 147 (for children, young people, and their reference persons around the clock)
- Telephone Counseling: 142 (around the clock)
- Vienna Crisis Intervention Center: 01 4069595 (Monday to Friday 10.00 to 17.00)
- Crisis Intervention Team of Styria: 0316/877 - 6551
- 24h Lower Austrian Crisis Telephone: 0800 202016
- Enrichment Data: ### Overall:The escalating prevalence of sextortion involving AI-generated images is a concerning trend among young people across Europe, including Austria. With advancements in artificial intelligence, offenders are increasingly capitalizing on technology to produce and disseminate manipulated, realistic images for extortion or harassment, primarily targeting minors and vulnerable youth.
## Current Legal and Policy Framework - EU and Austrian Response - New EU Directive: The European Parliament has enacted far-reaching legislation that penalizes the creation, possession, and sharing of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), along with offenses related to grooming, sextortion, and livestreamed abuse. This legislation applies to all EU member states, including Austria, and aims to standardize legal definitions and penalties for these crimes. - Shared Legal Framework: The directive presents clear definitions for grooming and sextortion as distinct crimes, outlaws livestreamed abuse, and removes time limits for reporting sexual abuse, recognizing that many victims come forward much later. - Penalties: AI-generated abusive images are treated equally to real CSAM under the new law, reflecting the understanding that such material can normalize abuse and escalate real-world offenses.
## Prevention Measures Awareness and Education - Digital Literacy: Educating young people about the risks of sharing personal images online and recognizing manipulation or threats can help prevent sextortion. - School Programs: Incorporating digital safety and consent lessons into school curricula can teach students how to respond to online harassment and extortion attempts. - Parental Guidance: Encouraging parents to discuss online safety with their children and monitor their online activity without infringing on privacy is crucial.
Technical Safeguards - AI Detection Tools: Solutions like Google’s SynthID can aid in identifying AI-generated content, although current solutions are limited to specific platforms and may not detect all types of manipulated media. - Reporting Mechanisms: Strengthening easy-to-use, confidential reporting channels within schools, social media platforms, and law enforcement can help.
## Reporting Measures - Law Enforcement: Victims and guardians are advised to report incidents to local law enforcement, who now have access to updated legal frameworks and tools to address sextortion involving AI-generated content. - Online Platforms: Most social media and messaging platforms have reporting features for abusive or illegal content. Timely reporting can help remove harmful material and initiate investigations. - Support Services: Providing access to counseling and victim support services for those affected by sextortion is essential due to the potentially severe psychological impact.
- The escalating trend of sextortion involving AI-generated images is a significant concern, affecting young people across Europe, including Austria.
- The European Parliament has responded with a new directive, penalizing the creation, possession, and sharing of such manipulated CSAM, and outlining clear definitions for related crimes like grooming and sextortion.
- To prevent sextortion, it is crucial to prioritize education and awareness, both in schools and at home, teaching digital literacy, incorporating digital safety and consent lessons into school curricula, and encouraging parents to discuss online safety with their children.
