Artificial intelligence drives hike in computer-generated child abuse images

In 2022, 20 reports of computer-generated child sexual abuse material were traced to Ireland. Picture: PA

There has been a sharp increase in computer-generated child sexual abuse material, driven by freely-available artificial intelligence software, the industry internet watchdog has said.

Hotline.ie said that 37% of all reports classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in 2022 involved computer-generated imagery, compared to 9% of cases in 2021.