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Paedophiles using AI to turn famous celebrities into juveniles for perverted reasons

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1 year ago

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Paedophiles are exploiting artificial intelligence (AI) to generate disturbing images of celebrities depicted as children, according to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).

The charity’s latest report reveals a growing issue where celebrities, including well-known female singers and film stars, are digitally de-aged to appear as children, and these images are being shared by predators.

The IWF also highlights the alarming use of AI to create hundreds of synthetic images of real child abuse victims and the distribution of these manipulated visuals on the dark web.

The rise of AI systems capable of creating images based on text instructions has raised concerns among experts. Home Secretary Suella Braverman and US Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently issued a joint statement addressing the concerning trend of paedophiles using AI to produce explicit images of children.

The IWF’s report reveals that researchers monitored a darknet child abuse website for a month and identified nearly 3,000 synthetic images that would be illegal under UK law.

A new pattern emerged, with predators taking a single photograph of a known child abuse victim and generating multiple explicit images using AI technology. For example, the researchers found a folder containing 501 images of a real-world child abuse victim, originally aged 9-10, alongside a fine-tuned AI model file for others to create more images of her.

Some of the AI-generated images, including those of celebrities as children, are highly realistic and could be indistinguishable to untrained observers.

These images are being used to normalize predatory behavior and waste valuable law enforcement resources, as they often prompt investigations into nonexistent children. The report emphasizes the concerning reality that AI imagery is facilitating harmful behavior.

The IWF shared its research to raise awareness of this issue ahead of the UK government’s AI Summit. During their investigation, the IWF analyzed 11,108 AI-generated images shared on a dark web child abuse forum, of which 2,978 were confirmed as illegal under UK law, depicting child sexual abuse.

Disturbingly, over 1,900 of these images portrayed primary school-aged children (seven to 10 years old), further underscoring the gravity of the problem.

The IWF’s findings have turned the initial fears regarding the misuse of AI for creating explicit images of children into a reality. Susie Hargreaves, the chief executive of the IWF, expressed deep concern, emphasizing the urgent need to address this issue.

The report underscores the real-world consequences of AI-generated images, which not only fuel predatory behavior but also create challenges for law enforcement agencies. New forms of offenses are emerging, such as the manipulation of innocent images to create Category A offenses, leading to an increase in the complexity of the problem.

The IWF’s findings highlight the critical need for stronger measures and international cooperation to combat the use of AI in child exploitation and abuse.

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Balochistani Graduates Selected for NUTECH Islamabad’s Mining Program

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For 18 graduates of the Reko Diq Mining Project, the National University of Technology, Islamabad, has started a training program. These graduates will complete an 18-month on-the-job training program at Barrick’s International Mining Sites after completing a two-month course at NUTECH.

The graduates will acquire proficiency in mining and associated technical domains during the training program. The chosen graduates will also get specific instruction on environmental protection, safety, exploration, and geology.

Along with the development of communication skills, the curriculum will also emphasise the most recent advancements in the mining industry. Barrick’s International Graduate Development Program for 2024 includes the Balochistani graduates.

Additionally, nine Baloch graduates were selected in 2023 and transported to Barrick’s facility in Argentina for on-the-job training.

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WhatsApp will improve the updates tab by introducing new shortcuts and a revamped interface.

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WhatsApp is implementing a new upgrade to refine the Updates tab interface, hence boosting accessibility for status and channel updates.

WABetaInfo reports that the upgrade introduces expedited shortcuts that streamline the updating of statuses and channels. Users can now select and upload photos and videos directly from the interface, reducing the steps involved in choosing media from the gallery.

The Meta-owned messaging application has also revamped the button for generating text-based status updates and introduced a feature for recording and sharing voice status updates. This offers customers a more expedient method to disseminate text and speech updates without depending on the floating action button.

The revisions correspond with recent modifications to other tabs, ensuring a modernised interface that improves navigation and update creation. WhatsApp is modifying the floating action button to facilitate content sharing within channels.

When selecting the floating action button, users will see several options, including creating status updates, starting new channels, or sharing photos, videos, voice, and text in existing channels. This revamp integrates all content-generating options into a singular section.

The new shortcuts are anticipated to be accessible to a broader user base in the forthcoming weeks. Beta testers can currently access them in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.26.13, available on the Google Play Store.

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China and Pakistan Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Launch AI-Powered Agricultural Equipment

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Through Chinese expertise, the arrangement, which was made possible by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), intends to increase Pakistan’s agricultural output.

The Punjab government and China’s “AI Force Tech” company have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to introduce advanced agricultural machinery during Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s visit to China.

Through the use of advanced robotic technology, the MoU seeks to transform Pakistan’s agricultural industry, guarantee economic growth, and boost farmers’ wealth with China’s assistance.

Through the partnership, Pakistan would also have the chance to absorb knowledge about China’s sophisticated farming methods.

In the meantime, plans have been revealed by the Federal Minister of Planning to send 1,000 agricultural experts to China to study contemporary farming methods.

A Chinese business and the Punjab government previously inked an agreement to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment technologies to Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hygea Medical Technologies while she was in China in order to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment equipment and techniques to Punjab.

This equipment will make it feasible to treat cancer without the need for chemotherapy or surgery.

Following a meeting with Hygea Medical Technologies President Dr. Luo Fuliang, Maryam Nawaz said the organization has promised expert assistance for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital.

She went on to say that the hospital will work with China to treat cancer patients utilizing the newest equipment and techniques following the agreement.

Maryam Nawaz and a high-level delegation are present. From December 8 to December 15, the chief minister will go to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou.

CM Maryam Nawaz is expected to attend a number of conferences, events, and meetings with the goal of enhancing bilateral relations and looking into potential joint ventures in the areas of infrastructure development, technology, agriculture, and governance.

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