The surge in child sexual exploitation and abuse materials has overwhelmed law enforcement agencies worldwide, stretching their resources beyond capacity. To address this crisis, the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), through its Centre for AI and Robotics, and the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched the groundbreaking AI for Safer Children initiative in 2020. This global endeavor harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to support law enforcement agencies in combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The Escalation of Online Child Sexual Exploitation
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has seen a staggering increase in reports, receiving over 32 million in 2022, a stark contrast from approximately 100,000 in 2010. With each report potentially containing hundreds of images and videos, the workload for human investigators has become unmanageable. An average-case now involves reviewing 1,000 hours of video, equivalent to five months of continuous video file review.
This underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to alleviate the strain on law enforcement resources. In schools where child safety is paramount, the escalating prevalence of online child exploitation emphasizes the importance of educating students on responsible internet usage. It reinforces the critical role of AI tools in supporting law enforcement efforts to create a safer digital environment for children.
AI as a Powerful Ally
Recognizing the need for a revolutionary approach, the AI for Safer Children initiative embraces AI technologies as crucial tools in the fight against child sexual abuse. Various AI techniques, such as image analysis, object recognition, text analysis, and content generation, offer unprecedented support to law enforcement efforts.
The use of AI in law enforcement is not new. AI has been effectively implemented in crimes against children in recent years.
Efficient Identification and Prioritization
AI technologies, such as image analysis and object recognition, enable law enforcement to swiftly process large volumes of data related to child exploitation cases. These tools can categorize images and videos, automatically flagging those containing potential instances of child sexual abuse. This aids investigators in prioritizing materials that pose the most significant risk to children, streamlining the identification process and allowing for quicker response times.
Text Analysis and Natural Language Processing (NLP)
AI-driven NLP tools analyze communication logs, often hours of chat conversations, to identify patterns indicative of grooming and potential threats to children. By automating the extraction of relevant information from text, investigators can quickly pinpoint suspicious activities, saving considerable time compared to manual review. This application is crucial in uncovering the early stages of child exploitation and in tracking online predators.
Content Generation for Undercover Operations
AI content generation tools play a role in undercover operations by allowing law enforcement to simulate child-like behavior in chat platforms. Text generators, image generators, and voice synthesis technologies can create realistic profiles and interactions, aiding investigators in infiltrating online spaces where child exploitation may occur. This capability enhances the effectiveness of undercover operations, providing law enforcement with valuable insights into potential threats against children.
Our society must continue to grow and develop the use of AI to protect children. As a tool for law enforcement professionals, it can be invaluable, helping them prevent crimes and find perpetrators sooner.
Global Hub: A Comprehensive Resource
In June 2022, the AI for Safer Children Global Hub was launched, facilitating access to a diverse array of 81 AI tools to law enforcement officers from 106 countries. This online platform, available in all six UN official languages, acts as a central repository offering information on each tool’s cost, functionality, and implementation process. With a growing membership of over 550 officers from 97 106 countries, the Global Hub fosters international collaboration and communication.
“The Global Hub is a fantastic resource for law enforcement agencies conducting investigations into online child sexual exploitation and abuse. It provides opportunities to network with peers across the globe as well as providing numerous technical tools and educative resources to help build capability in this crime type,” mentioned Glen Donaldson, Detective Inspector for Argos, Child Abuse and Sexual Crime Unit, Australia
After integrating AI tools into their workflows, law enforcement officers commend the initiative for significantly reducing analysis time and cutting forensic backlogs. AI tools expedite processes and minimize the emotional toll on investigators dealing with sensitive materials.
Efficiency Boost in Analyzing Child Abuse Materials
“Since adopting a tool from the Global Hub’s catalogue, the time we spent on analyzing child abuse images and videos, which used to take 1 to 2 weeks, we can now do in 1 day. This remarkable reduction in analysis time has not only enhanced our efficiency but has allowed us to respond more swiftly to potential threats, demonstrating the tangible impact of AI tools on our investigative processes.” -Ignacio Celaya (Argentina police)
Significant Reduction in Forensic Backlogs
“The AI tools I used significantly cut forensic backlogs from over 1.5 years down to 4 to 6 months—time that can make a world of difference for victims. By streamlining our workflows, we can allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that cases are handled promptly and victims receive the justice they deserve. The AI for Safer Children initiative has been instrumental in transforming how we approach and manage these sensitive investigations,” said Sherry Torres, former U.S. Police Detective, North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Training for Global Impact
The AI for Safer Children initiative goes beyond facilitating access to AI tools; it actively contributes to law enforcement’s capacity building through specialized training programs. These tailor-made trainings, initiated in May 2023, have significantly benefited over 400 investigators across diverse jurisdictions from 20 countries, including Singapore, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, and the Caribbean region. More trainings are scheduled for 2024 in yet more countries from all over the world. By imparting essential skills and knowledge, these sessions empower law enforcement professionals to adeptly integrate AI into their investigative workflows, ensuring the effective utilization of cutting-edge technology and its responsible application in combating crimes against children. Such effective utilization involves the crucial component of using AI tools in a human rights compliant and ethical manner, so the sessions presented to officers the Toolkit for Responsible AI Innovation in Law Enforcement, developed by UNICRI, together with INTERPOL. This AI Toolkit consists of a collection of practice-oriented resources that support law enforcement agencies globally in tapping into AI responsibly. This approach enhances global collaboration and ensures that law enforcement agencies are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of online child exploitation in complete alignment with currently available responsible AI practices to allow for sustainable use of these technologies.
“The benefits we got out of the training – both in relation to the knowledge and skills we acquired, passed on to other units, and AI tools we have obtained – has already been massively impactive in currently ongoing investigations, which we expect to result in several arrests in coming month,” said Mike F, UK Online CSEA Covert Intelligence Team (OCCIT).
Real Impact: Success Stories
The AI for Safer Children initiative has already demonstrated its effectiveness through impactful success stories. From expediting investigations to uncovering crucial information, AI tools have proven instrumental in the swift identification and apprehension of individuals involved in child sexual exploitation.
Rapid Identification of a Potential Threat
A suspected child predator came under investigation with a significant volume of seized materials. Leveraging AI tools from the Global Hub, investigators expedited the process. Within 58 seconds, the AI analysis yielded results, efficiently pinpointing relevant evidence. This swift identification accelerated the investigation, aiding law enforcement in promptly removing the individual from an environment where they posed a danger to vulnerable children.
Crucial Breakthrough in a Cold Case
In a case lingering for over a decade, where a person had been wanted for crimes against children, an AI tool unearthed an additional email address that investigators were previously unaware of. This breakthrough provided fresh leads, ultimately leading to the capture of the individual. The use of AI technology not only revitalized a cold case but also showcased the potential of these tools in uncovering critical information that may have otherwise remained hidden.
Media Reports on AI’s Impact
Recent news reports underscore the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the global fight against child abuse. Media outlets such as BBC and NBC have highlighted the tangible impact of AI technologies, showcasing instances where advanced algorithms and image recognition tools contribute to identifying perpetrators and rescuing exploited children. These reports emphasize how AI is revolutionizing law enforcement approaches, expediting investigations, and providing crucial breakthroughs in cases that were once challenging to solve.
In a Forbes article published on August 7th, titled DHS Used Clearview AI Facial Recognition in Thousands of Child Exploitation Cold Cases, it was mentioned that AI technology, particularly facial recognition and advanced algorithms, played a pivotal role in identifying 311 child victims of sexual exploitation in ‘cold cases.’ These cases involved materials that had existed for many years, and AI-enabled technologies provided fresh leads, aiding law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice.
Successes such as these are why Lt. Colonel Dana Humaid, Director General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior, emphasized the importance of the initiative. “The AI For Safer Children Initiative was created by the UAE and UNICRI for a singular purpose: to tackle the devastating scourge of online child sexual exploitation and abuse. We live in a time where, unfortunately, the threat to the most vulnerable among us in this regard continues to grow – and exists in an ever more complex digital threat landscape. Since its foundation in 2020, AI For Safer Children has harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to equip hundreds of law enforcement agencies with the tools to safeguard children against the myriad of threats these crimes present. The UAE continues to play a leading role in child protection, collaborating globally to develop innovative solutions, but we must face the reality that these crimes cross borders, and by working together, we can target these perpetrators and create safe communities that uphold family values and can support children to the fullest,”’ she stated.
The Way Forward
The AI for Safer Children initiative emerges as a pivotal force in the global fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Leveraging advanced AI capabilities, this program equips law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to effectively address the burgeoning challenge of digital abuse material, fostering a more secure environment for the world’s most vulnerable citizens.
This initiative is not just a technological breakthrough; it’s a clarion call to action for leaders and influencers across various sectors. In an era where technology’s role in societal change is indisputable, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture. The transformative impact of AI in protecting children serves as a powerful reminder of our collective ethical responsibilities.
As we consider the future of AI in public safety, the AI for Safer Children initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation converges with humanity’s noblest aspirations. This initiative beckons policymakers, tech industry leaders, educators, and engaged global citizens to collaborate in nurturing and expanding such endeavors. It’s incumbent upon us to leverage our expertise and resources to fortify these efforts, thereby ensuring every child’s right to a safe and dignified upbringing in the digital age.
Our collective response to this call to action will not only shape the trajectory of AI in public safety but will also define our legacy in creating a world where technology is wielded as a force for good, safeguarding the well-being and future of the youngest members of our global community.
