FBI Warns AI Generated Deepfakes Used in Sextortion Schemes
In a recent FBI warning, the public is warned about the rise of malicious actors manipulating photos and videos to create explicit content and engage in sextortion schemes. This alarming trend involves the use of advanced technology to alter benign images and videos creating what’s called deep fakes, targeting victims of all ages, including minors. The FBI emphasizes the need for caution when sharing personal content online and provides recommendations to mitigate the risks associated with deep fake sextortion schemes.
Understanding the Threat: Synthetic Content and Deepfakes
The FBI highlights the emergence of synthetic content, commonly known as “deepfakes.” Malicious actors employ artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled technologies to manipulate photographs or videos, transforming them into explicit or sexually themed content that appears authentic. These manipulated visuals are then disseminated on social media platforms, public forums, or pornographic websites, leading to harassment, sextortion, and potential long-term re-victimization.
Explicit Content Creation and Circulation
Victims’ photos or videos are obtained by malicious actors through various means, including social media accounts, the open internet, or even direct requests. These images are then manipulated into explicit content and distributed without the victims’ knowledge or consent. This deceptive practice often leaves victims unaware of the circulation of their altered content until it is brought to their attention by someone else or discovered online. Once shared, it becomes challenging to prevent further dissemination or remove the content from the internet, placing victims in distressing situations.
Sextortion and Harassment: Tactics and Motivations
Sextortion, a criminal act that involves coercing victims into providing sexually explicit photos or videos under the threat of public exposure, plays a significant role in these schemes. Malicious actors use the manipulated images or videos to extort victims for financial gain, acquire more explicit content, or engage in bullying and harassment. The FBI notes an increase in the use of fake images or videos created from victims’ social media postings, web content, or captured during video chats. Perpetrators often demand payment or the submission of real sexually-themed content, further victimizing individuals.
Recommendations to Mitigate the Risks
To combat these threats, the FBI offers a set of recommendations for individuals to safeguard themselves and their loved ones:
- Exercising Caution in Online Activities: Monitor children’s online presence and educate them about the risks associated with sharing personal content.
- Discretion in Sharing Personal Content: Use caution when posting images, videos, or personal information online, particularly those involving children. Understand that once content is shared, it can be difficult or impossible to remove.
- Privacy Settings and Reverse Image Searches: Apply privacy settings on social media accounts and use reverse image search engines to identify any content that may have been circulated without consent.
- Interacting with Unknown Individuals: Exercise caution when communicating or sending images to individuals you don’t personally know. Refrain from providing money or valuable items to unknown or unfamiliar individuals.
- Account Security: Utilize strong passwords or passphrases, enable multi-factor authentication, and research the privacy policies of social media platforms and websites.
- Monitoring Personal Information: Conduct regular online searches to identify the exposure and spread of personal information.
- Reporting Suspicious Activities: If victimized, retain all relevant information and promptly report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), local FBI field offices, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The FBI Warning serves as a crucial warning about the growing threat of malicious actors manipulating photos and videos to create explicit content and engage in sextortion schemes. By understanding the risks associated with sharing personal content online and implementing the recommended precautions, individuals can protect themselves and their families from falling victim to these malicious practices.
Heightened awareness, cautious online behavior, and reporting suspicious activities are essential in mitigating the risks posed by these malicious actors. It is vital to remember that technology advancements, such as AI-enabled content creation, provide both opportunities and challenges. While these advancements have undoubtedly enhanced our lives in various ways, they also introduce new avenues for exploitation and victimization. Remaining vigilant and informed about the potential dangers associated with sharing personal content is crucial in maintaining online safety.
In conclusion, the FBI notice serves as a wake-up call to the dangers of malicious actors manipulating photos and videos to create explicit content to engage in sextortion schemes. It is essential to exercise caution when sharing personal content online, particularly images and videos, and to implement the recommended measures to safeguard against potential exploitation. By being proactive and informed, individuals can take control of their online presence and attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these harmful practices.
