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Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Others Launch Child Safety Initiative

Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Others Launch Child Safety Initiative

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In an unprecedented move, tech behemoths Google, Microsoft, Facebook parent Meta, and seven leading AI companies have joined forces to combat the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet. This coalition, spearheaded by non-profit organizations Thorn and All Tech is Human, marks a significant step in leveraging advanced technologies to protect vulnerable individuals.

The Genesis of Collaboration

Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Others Launch Child Safety Initiative

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Thorn, founded in 2012 by Hollywood icons Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher under its previous moniker, the DNA Foundation, has been at the forefront of developing tools to shield children from sexual exploitation. Their collaboration with All Tech is Human, based in New York, has catalyzed this groundbreaking alliance aimed at implementing robust safeguards within generative AI systems.

Safety by Design: A Paradigm Shift

Central to this initiative is the adoption of a “Safety by Design” principle in generative AI development. This paradigm advocates for preemptive measures that thwart the creation of CSAM throughout the entire lifecycle of an AI model. The newly released Thorn report underscores the urgency of embracing these principles, particularly in light of the escalating threat posed by AI-generated CSAM (AIG-CSAM).

Thorn’s impact report for 2022 revealed a staggering 824,466 instances of child abuse material identified. Last year, over 104 million suspected CSAM files were reported in the United States alone, underscoring the critical need for proactive interventions.

Tackling the Deepfake Menace

One of the most alarming trends addressed by this coalition is the surge in deepfake child pornography. With the accessibility of generative AI models, standalone systems capable of generating illicit content have proliferated on dark web platforms. This exponential growth in deepfake CSAM poses a grave challenge to law enforcement and child protection advocates.

Generative AI technologies have streamlined the process of content creation, enabling malicious actors to produce large volumes of CSAM by manipulating original images and videos. Thorn’s call to action urges all stakeholders in the AI ecosystem to commit to preventing the dissemination and production of CSAM, thereby safeguarding vulnerable populations from exploitation.

The collective resolve of industry leaders, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups underscores a paradigm shift towards responsible AI deployment. By prioritizing safety and ethical considerations in AI development, this coalition sets a precedent for leveraging technology as a force for societal good, particularly in protecting the most vulnerable members of our global community.

TikTok Ban in Montana Blocked by Court as Free Speech Threat

TikTok Faces Intense Scrutiny and Possible Fines in the EU Over Child Safety

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TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by ByteDance Ltd., is under the spotlight as the European Union gears up for an investigation into its compliance with strict new content moderation regulations, particularly concerning the safety of minors.

Concerns Over Protection of Underage Users

TikTok Ban in Montana Blocked by Court as Free Speech Threat

The European Commission is set to launch an inquiry into TikTok’s adherence to the Digital Services Act (DSA), which empowers regulators to address content-related issues on major tech platforms. Amid worries that TikTok’s recent adjustments may not adequately safeguard underage users, the EU aims to assess the platform’s measures for protecting minors from potential harm.

Stringent Penalties and Regulatory Powers

Under the DSA, tech companies face significant penalties, including fines of up to 6 percent of their annual revenue, for non-compliance with content moderation rules. Moreover, repeat offenders risk being barred from operating within the EU. This signals a robust regulatory framework aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of users, particularly children, in the digital sphere.

The impending probe into TikTok follows the EU’s first formal investigation under the DSA, which targeted Elon Musk’s X platform over concerns related to illegal content and disinformation. With a growing focus on scrutinizing major online platforms, including Meta Platforms Inc. and Alphabet Inc., the EU underscores its commitment to enforcing accountability among tech giants.

Dialogue Between TikTok and EU Regulators

While TikTok has refrained from commenting on the investigation, it acknowledges ongoing dialogue with EU authorities. The platform has been subject to inquiries regarding its efforts to protect minors, addressing concerns regarding mental and physical health risks, and evaluating the usage patterns of children on its platform.

Also Read: Meta Will No Longer Suggest Political Content to Users on Instagram, Threads

The EU’s scrutiny of TikTok and other major platforms signals a broader shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the tech industry. As regulators seek to mitigate risks and safeguard vulnerable user groups, such investigations set a precedent for enhanced oversight and regulation of digital platforms.

As TikTok faces the prospect of regulatory action by the European Union, the tech industry awaits the outcome of the impending probe. With the DSA empowering regulators to enforce stricter content moderation standards, the investigation underscores the importance of prioritizing user safety, particularly among underage users, in the digital landscape.