The Increasing Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Creation of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material: Child Victims and Offenders

Aim: The study “The Increasing Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Creation of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material: Child Victims and Offenders" paper aims to explore the question of how the spread of generative artificial intelligence (including “deepfake” technology) exacerbates the problem of creating and sharing online child sexual abuse material. The paper pays particular attention to the characteristics and circumstances of victimisation and youth offending, as well as to the social, legal, and criminological challenges arising from the expansion of generative AI.Methodology: Systematic review and analysis of recent Hungarian and international literature, research and other reports, as well as relevant statistical data. The analysis is further complemented by case studies and by the presentation and comparative examination of national and international examples.Findings: The advance of generative artificial intelligence radically increases the volume of digitally created, sexually explicit, realistic images of children. The simplification and easy accessibility of increasingly user-friendly applications facilitate child perpetration and victimization worldwide. Despite global efforts, adequate international and national legal, law enforcement, and prevention tools remain inadequate. Effective online child protection and criminal justice strategies therefore require differentiated, prevention-oriented, system-level and interdisciplinary solutions that deliberately take account of children’s diverse situations and sociodemographic characteristics.Value: The study provides a comprehensive analysis of a rapidly evolving and pressing child protection, law enforcement, and legislative challenge through a criminological lens. Drawing on up-to-date academic and grey literature and evidence, it highlights the need for differentiated, child-centred, preventive, context-, age- and gender-sensitive interventions. It provides reference points for the development of effective strategies to tackle online child sexual abuse material in the age of generative artificial intelligence.