AI Extortion Targeting Teens: Florida Attorney General Warns of Growing Threat

AI could be used to extort teens, Florida Attorney General warns

TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning about the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in extortion cases involving teens. According to Moody, AI is making an already dangerous situation even worse.

Moody emphasized the need for teens and parents to be vigilant, as the FBI reported over 7,000 cases of sextortion involving minors last year. Tragically, in the last 18 months, at least three teens across the country have died by suicide after being extorted online.

Sextortion typically involves blackmailing victims over explicit photos sent online. Moody explained that by incorporating AI into these schemes, perpetrators can manipulate images to make it appear as though they are the same age as their victims, making the deceit more convincing.

Using hacked social media accounts, criminals may send AI-generated explicit images in an attempt to coerce victims into sending their own explicit photos, which then become blackmail material.

Clara Reynolds, president of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, highlighted the vulnerability of youth to these tactics, as they are often more familiar with AI than their parents or guardians. She stressed the importance of having open and honest conversations with children about the dangers of online extortion.

Experts recommend reporting any instances of online extortion to law enforcement, flagging the account, and keeping any messages as evidence. These steps are crucial in investigating and prosecuting extortion cases.

As AI continues to evolve and be used in malicious ways, it is essential for both teens and parents to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect themselves online.