Blog

Why Teens and Parents Need to Be More Protective of Their Data and Images: A Prediction and A Warning From The White Hatter!

October 10, 2024

CAVEAT: As most of our follower know, we take an “enlighten and not frighten” approach when it comes to digital literacy and internet safety. However, due to the alarming advancements we’re witnessing in the weaponization of artificial intelligence, particularly with deepfake nude technology, we feel compelled to raise awareness about an urgent new threat on the horizon. This is why we’ve written this article.

In the fast-paced onlife world, artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing at breakneck speed, creating new and exciting possibilities. However, with these developments come serious risks as well – especially when it comes to protecting your personal data and images online. While AI deepfake technology, which can alter images and videos to make them appear real, has been around for a few years, it’s advancing to alarming levels. What used to take sophisticated software and time-consuming processes is now becoming faster, more accessible, and unfortunately in some cases weaponized.

It’s not just still images that are at risk anymore – soon, AI deepfake technology will be able to generate 4K quality videos from photos. We’re not talking about a distant future; these capabilities could be mere months away – an example of such software, OpenAI’s Sora. That’s why it’s more important than ever for teens and parents to take steps to protect their personal data and images online.

AI is transforming everything from how we communicate to how we work. With the power of machine learning, computers can now mimic human-like intelligence and creativity in ways we once thought impossible. But as the saying goes, “With great power comes even great responsibility.” – Uncle Ben, Spiderman The Movie Unfortunately, not everyone will use AI responsibly, including some of the companies that are developing this technology – many are moving fast to be “first” so that they can cash in on the billions of dollars that AI technology is predicted to bring to their investors. This is why this quote from Julie Inman Grant, the Australian eSafety Commissioner, is so relevant to this topic (1)

This means challenging the flawed technology ethos of moving fast and breaking things and ultimately disrupting the attention-seeking surveillance business model that has propelled them for so long – this is well and truly a fundamental and global challenge.”

AI deepfakes are a prime example of how this technology can be misused. Originally, AI deepfake technology was used in harmless entertainment, but it didn’t take long for people to exploit and weaponize it for malicious purposes. By manipulating videos and images, deepfakes can make it appear as if someone is saying or doing something they never did. This technology is especially concerning when it comes to fake nudes or inappropriate content involving teens. (2)

Until now, AI deepfake technology has largely been used to create convincing still images – we know of at least three cases in Canada where high school students have used these types of technology to target other students at their school. But that’s changing and with AI’s rapid development, we are approaching a point where anyone with basic knowledge of the technology will be able to create ultra-realistic, 4K quality videos from simple photos, including deepfake nude videos. Again, this capability is not years away, but likely months away.

Imagine someone taking a regular selfie you posted on your social media feed and turning it into a 4K high-resolution fake video of you in a naked compromising situation. That video could then be shared with the world, making it seem as though you sexually participated in something you never did. As one could imagine, the reputational damage and emotional trauma to a youth or teen would be devastating

The rise of AI deepfake technology has been fueled by the vast amount of data we share online. Every time you post a picture, send a selfie, or even appear in someone else’s photo, you’re creating a data point that could be used by AI models. As more and more images are uploaded, AI systems become better at recognizing faces, emotions, and body movements. Combine this with advances in computing power, and the leap from fake images to 4K video is a natural progression.

The problem is, while technology is advancing quickly, laws and awareness are struggling to keep up. By the time the public understands the severity of the situation, it may be too late to put protections in place – thus why we at the White Hatter are flagging this clear and present threat about 4K deepfake nude video technology now!

So, what steps can teens and parents take now, knowing that even a casual selfie could soon be used to create not just a deepfake nude images, but also deepfake nude videos?

  • Teens should be cautious about the kinds of photos they post or send, even to friends. Once an image is online, it’s almost impossible to control where it goes or how it’s used. Yes, this message is something that many in our industry have been pushing for years now, however, AI and deepfake nude technology has made this rule even more important today.

  • More than ever before, check the privacy settings on all social media accounts. Limit who can view your posts and avoid sharing personal images publicly. This won’t completely protect you from deepfake technology, but it makes it harder for someone to access your images.

  • Parents and teens alike need to stay informed about the growing risks and benefits posed by AI. Understanding the problem is the first step toward protecting yourself and this is something that we strive to do here at the White Hatter.

  • Parents should talk openly with their teens about the risks of sharing images online. This isn’t about scaring them but about helping them understand that what may seem like a harmless photo today could be used against them tomorrow. Have them read this article and watch the video that we have done on Deepfake nudes. (2)

  • Encourage teens to think critically before they share images and the type of images they are sharing. Remind them that even private messages can be screenshotted and shared without their consent. If they wouldn’t want an image to be seen by a stranger, it’s best not to post it at all.

  • Parents and caregivers will also need to be careful about the pictures they post online of their kids.

  • If you know a teen who is already using AI deepfake nude technology to create nudified pictures of other teens, report them to a trusted adult or law enforcement immediately.  We need to start sending a clear message that AI technology used in this way is illegal in Canada and will not be tolerated!

  • Talk to your locate Member of Parliament – bring this threat to their attention and demand that the federal government enact legislation to hold companies that are developing this technology accountable.

The reality is that the technology to create high-quality deepfake videos from a single image is very quickly approaching reality. It’s no longer enough to rely on the assumption that these threats are years away. Parents and teens must act now to protect themselves from the potential dangers AI will bring in the very near future.

While laws and regulations surrounding AI and deepfakes are still being developed, individual actions can make a difference. By being more protective of your data and images today, you’re taking a stand against the misuse of this technology tomorrow.

In the end, we can’t control the development of AI, but we can control how we engage with technology. By being more cautious, more informed, and more proactive, we can help safeguard our personal data and images from being weaponized in ways we never could have imagined.

Digital Food For Thought

The White Hatter

References:

1/ https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/blogs/learning-from-the-past-to-safeguard-childrens-online-future

2/ https://thewhitehatter.ca/deepnudes-undressing-ai-generated-intimate-image-abuse-material/

Support The White Hatter Resources

Free resources we provide are supported by you the community!

Lastest on YouTube
Latest Podcast Episode
Latest Blog Post
The White Hatter Presentations & Workshops

Ask Us Anything. Anytime.

Looking to book a program?

Questions, comments, concerns, send us an email! Or we are available on Messenger for Facebook and Instagram

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

The White Hatter Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Sendinblue as our marketing platform. By Clicking below to submit this form, you acknowledge that the information you provided will be transferred to Sendinblue for processing in accordance with their terms of use