Software helps gardaí identify and rescue child sex abuse victims

Gardaí identified and rescued 85 child victims of sexual exploitation with the aid of high-tech software. Stock picture

Gardaí have identified and rescued 85 child victims of sexual exploitation with the aid of high-tech software.

The technology — used by forensic computer specialists in the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau — enabled the detection of 175 cases of child sexual abuse material last year.

Meanwhile, Tusla, the HSE, and An Garda Síochána are set to soon open Ireland’s second multi-agency facility for child victims of sexual abuse, this time in Cork.

The centre, Barnahus South, will follow Barnahus West, in Galway, which provides health, forensic, social care, therapeutic, and police services to children and their families.

The Cork facility is due to open by the end of this month on an “interim” basis. Tusla said the full service “will take time” to develop.

An Garda Síochána figures show that image analysis and recognition technology enabled 175 child sexual abuse material detections in 2023.

The software uses biometric and other data to analyse and cluster multiple images and videos of the same people, and objects and locations, to support identification.

“The technology enabled 175 child sexual abuse material detections in 2023,” it said. “It also led to 85 child victims of more serious sexual exploitation being identified and rescued in Ireland; most of these would not have been possible otherwise.”

Gardaí said the software is similar to facial recognition technology, which the force is seeking powers to use, provisions for which are contained in draft legislation.

Civil liberty and digital rights groups and a number of academics have expressed concern.

Meanwhile, Tusla confirmed to the Irish Examiner that Barnahus South, which was due to have opened by the end of last year, will have started on an “interim” basis by the end of this month.

Barnahus South will operate from St Mary’s Hospital campus and will work with gardaí and the HSE. Recruitment for Tusla staff is under way, including new posts in social work, social care, and psychology.

Cari, a charity working with children and families affected by sexual abuse, welcomed the development: “Children and families impacted by child sexual abuse in Cork will not just get a response in a timely manner, but, really importantly, they will have key services with the right help and support under one roof.”