San Diego Police warns about online predators using artificial intelligence to target children
San Diego Police warns about online predators using artificial intelligence to target children
Publish Date: 2026-02-13 01:29:00
Source Domain: www.cbs8.com
- Increase in online exploitation using AI tools: Online predators are increasingly using advanced AI tools like deepfakes to trick and exploit children.
- Deepfakes as deceptive tools: Deepfakes are artificially intelligent-generated images or videos that mimic real people and are easily created with available software.
- Urgent need for online safety conversations: Law enforcement urges parents and caregivers to talk to children about online safety to prevent exploitation and sextortion.
- Specific protective measures: If targeted, victims should block the user and keep all communications and evidence to help law enforcement trace suspects.
- Recognizing deepfakes: Deepfakes often have discrepancies in hands, feet, and eyes that can help in identification, although technology is making detection harder.
- Signs to watch for: Parents should be alert to behavioral changes in children that may indicate exploitation, such as anxiety, secretiveness, or avoidance of devices.
- Legal consequences: Online exploitation and sextortion are serious felonies that can lead to prison sentences.
- Reporting incidents: Individuals can report online exploitation incidents to cyberTipline.org for assistance.
