1 in 10 minors say classmates used AI to create explicit images of other children: report

WASHINGTON (TND) — One in 10 minors reported that their classmates used artificial intelligence to create explicit images of other children, according to a new report from Thorn, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse.

“When we get these new technologies, there is often sexual exploitation or predators abusing these technologies,” said Lisa Thompson, vice president of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

To compile this report, Thorn administered a short survey to over 1,000 minors, ranging in age from 9-17, across the U.S. In addition to the 11% who reported knowing someone who created explicit AI images, 7% reported sharing images. Nearly 20% reported seeing non-consensual images, and over 12% of kids ages 9-12 reported the same.

It’s become mainstream and kids know how to use it, so now there are literally kids engaging in forms of sexual abuse based on images of other children,” Thompson said.

Earlier this year, lawmakers introduced the Take It Down Act, which would ban AI from posting explicit content online and require websites to remove the images within two days.