AI & Child Exploitation: Tackling Synthetic CSAM and Next-Gen Predator Tactics

$230.00

Course Overview: The misuse of AI in child exploitation is a fast-evolving threat – over the past two years, NCMEC’s CyberTipline received 7,000+ reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This one-day course arms investigators with mission-critical knowledge to combat these new dangers. Taught by veteran crimes-against-children experts, the training focuses on practical, up-to-the-minute tactics for identifying and investigating CSAM produced or facilitated by AI. Participants will delve into real-world cases (including a 2023 case where a child predator used AI to create abuse images of minors and learn how offenders are leveraging generative AI – from “nudifying” apps to deepfake videos – to exploit children. Most importantly, we emphasize solutions that work now: how to recognize AI-altered imagery, support victims, leverage specialized resources, and hold perpetrators accountable under current law. No theoretical fluff here – just actionable strategies to protect kids from AI-driven exploitation immediately.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Legal landscape of synthetic CSAM: Overview of federal and state laws outlawing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (yes, *even “fake” CSAM is illegal) and how to apply these statutes in charging decisions.

  • AI-fueled sextortion and grooming: How predators use generative AI to produce explicit fake images of minors for sextortion, and even deploy AI chatbots or scripts to groom victims. Includes the rise of financial sextortion schemes bolstered by AI-created imagery.

  • Recent case studies: Examination of real investigative cases and convictions from 2023-2024 involving AI, such as a North Carolina child psychiatrist sentenced to 40 years for using AI to create child abuse images and a Pittsburgh offender convicted for deepfaking child celebrities onto pornographic images.

  • Investigative techniques: How to identify and forensically analyze AI-altered images/videos in child exploitation investigations. Best practices for evidence collection when dealing with deepfakes or synthetic media, and when to seek tech support (e.g. federal cybercrime labs).

  • Victim support & resources: Strategies for minimizing victim trauma when fake images of them are circulated. How to assist victims in getting content removed using tools like NCMEC’s “Take It Down” service, and connecting families to resources (cyber tip lines, counseling) without delay.

  • Prevention and collaboration: Tips for School Resource Officers and juvenile officers on educating youth about AI-related exploitation (sextortion red flags, safe online behavior). Emphasis on reporting incidents through NCMEC/CyberTipline and collaborating across ICAC task forces for a united response.

Course Format: 1 Day (8 Hours) – Live In-Person Training
Target Audience: ICAC investigators, detectives in child abuse/trafficking units, digital forensics examiners, SROs (School Resource Officers), and any law enforcement professionals who handle online child exploitation or child safety cases.

Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify AI-generated or manipulated child sexual abuse material and distinguish it from authentic evidence during investigations.

  • Apply appropriate charges and legal strategies when confronting cases of synthetic CSAM, ensuring offenders are prosecuted under relevant statutes for AI-created content.

  • Investigate sextortion and online grooming cases involving AI tools, using specialized techniques to trace perpetrators and collect digital evidence without alerting offenders.

  • Support and advise victims and families effectively – including steps to remove exploitative content online (e.g. guiding victims to NCMEC’s Take It Down program) and connecting them with victim services.

  • Collaborate with federal agencies (FBI, DHS) and resources like the CyberTipline by promptly reporting AI-related child exploitation incidents, thereby enhancing interagency efforts to combat these crimes.

  • Educate youth and community partners about AI-assisted exploitation tactics, empowering schools and parents to recognize and prevent emerging threats to children.

Course Overview: The misuse of AI in child exploitation is a fast-evolving threat – over the past two years, NCMEC’s CyberTipline received 7,000+ reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This one-day course arms investigators with mission-critical knowledge to combat these new dangers. Taught by veteran crimes-against-children experts, the training focuses on practical, up-to-the-minute tactics for identifying and investigating CSAM produced or facilitated by AI. Participants will delve into real-world cases (including a 2023 case where a child predator used AI to create abuse images of minors and learn how offenders are leveraging generative AI – from “nudifying” apps to deepfake videos – to exploit children. Most importantly, we emphasize solutions that work now: how to recognize AI-altered imagery, support victims, leverage specialized resources, and hold perpetrators accountable under current law. No theoretical fluff here – just actionable strategies to protect kids from AI-driven exploitation immediately.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Legal landscape of synthetic CSAM: Overview of federal and state laws outlawing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (yes, *even “fake” CSAM is illegal) and how to apply these statutes in charging decisions.

  • AI-fueled sextortion and grooming: How predators use generative AI to produce explicit fake images of minors for sextortion, and even deploy AI chatbots or scripts to groom victims. Includes the rise of financial sextortion schemes bolstered by AI-created imagery.

  • Recent case studies: Examination of real investigative cases and convictions from 2023-2024 involving AI, such as a North Carolina child psychiatrist sentenced to 40 years for using AI to create child abuse images and a Pittsburgh offender convicted for deepfaking child celebrities onto pornographic images.

  • Investigative techniques: How to identify and forensically analyze AI-altered images/videos in child exploitation investigations. Best practices for evidence collection when dealing with deepfakes or synthetic media, and when to seek tech support (e.g. federal cybercrime labs).

  • Victim support & resources: Strategies for minimizing victim trauma when fake images of them are circulated. How to assist victims in getting content removed using tools like NCMEC’s “Take It Down” service, and connecting families to resources (cyber tip lines, counseling) without delay.

  • Prevention and collaboration: Tips for School Resource Officers and juvenile officers on educating youth about AI-related exploitation (sextortion red flags, safe online behavior). Emphasis on reporting incidents through NCMEC/CyberTipline and collaborating across ICAC task forces for a united response.

Course Format: 1 Day (8 Hours) – Live In-Person Training
Target Audience: ICAC investigators, detectives in child abuse/trafficking units, digital forensics examiners, SROs (School Resource Officers), and any law enforcement professionals who handle online child exploitation or child safety cases.

Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify AI-generated or manipulated child sexual abuse material and distinguish it from authentic evidence during investigations.

  • Apply appropriate charges and legal strategies when confronting cases of synthetic CSAM, ensuring offenders are prosecuted under relevant statutes for AI-created content.

  • Investigate sextortion and online grooming cases involving AI tools, using specialized techniques to trace perpetrators and collect digital evidence without alerting offenders.

  • Support and advise victims and families effectively – including steps to remove exploitative content online (e.g. guiding victims to NCMEC’s Take It Down program) and connecting them with victim services.

  • Collaborate with federal agencies (FBI, DHS) and resources like the CyberTipline by promptly reporting AI-related child exploitation incidents, thereby enhancing interagency efforts to combat these crimes.

  • Educate youth and community partners about AI-assisted exploitation tactics, empowering schools and parents to recognize and prevent emerging threats to children.