Deep Fake, Digital Dysfunction & Your Digital Footprint
It is extremely disturbing that Hugh Nelson was able to take normal photographs of children and, using AI tools and a computer programme, transform them and create images of the most depraved nature to sell and share online. Hugh Nelson, 27, from Bolton, jailed after transforming normal pictures of children into sexual abuse imagery He used AI to create child abuse images using photographs of real children and has been sentenced to 18 years in prison. In the first prosecution of its kind in the UK, Hugh Nelson, 27, from Bolton, was convicted of 16 child sexual abuse offences in August, after an investigation by Greater Manchester police (GMP). Nelson had used Daz 3D, a computer programme with an AI function, to transform “normal” images of children into sexual abuse imagery, Greater Manchester police said. In some cases, paedophiles had commissioned the images, supplying photographs of children with whom they had contact in real life. He was also found guilty of encouraging other offenders to commit rape. He sold his images in internet chatrooms, where he also discussed child sexual abuse with other offenders, making about £5,000 during an 18-month period by selling the images online. While there have been previous convictions for “deepfakes”, which typically involve one face being transferred to another body, Nelson created 3D “characters” from innocent photographs. Sentencing Nelson at Bolton crown court on Monday, judge Martin Walsh said it was “impossible to know” if children had been raped as a result of his images. Walsh said Nelson had no regard for the harm caused by distributing the “harrowing and sickening” material. He added: “There seems to be no limit to the depths of depravity exhibited in the images that you were prepared to create and exhibit to others.” To protect their child’s images from AI manipulation, parents can take these steps: Limit Image Sharing: Reduce the number of photos of children shared on public platforms, especially those without privacy controls. Choose private sharing methods, like secure family photo-sharing apps. Use Privacy Settings: When sharing images on social media, set accounts to private and limit access to close friends and family. Watermark Photos: Adding a discreet watermark can deter others from using the image, making it less appealing for manipulation. Avoid Face-Centric Photos: Try sharing photos where the child’s face is less visible, such as group shots, side profiles, or images focused on activities rather than the child’s features. Use Age-Appropriate Digital Literacy: Talk with older children about safe photo sharing and explain the risks of AI manipulation and deepfakes. Advocate for Stronger Regulations: Support privacy laws that safeguard against AI misuse of images, including those protecting children’s online data. Choose Safe Platforms: Use child-friendly apps and platforms with strict privacy policies. Avoid apps that allow AI manipulation, as these may not have strong protections. Stay Informed: Keep up with digital safety trends and tools that can alert you if your child’s images are used improperly online. Combining these steps can help reduce risks, though parents should remember that complete prevention is challenging with current technology. I know for you these pictures are just memories, but for others they are data. Watch this really important video: The Deutsche Telekom video uses the latest artificial intelligence technology to virtually age a 9-year-old they call Ella, played by an actor, in order to illustrate how a child’s digital footprint can potentially be misused to damage their lives.
Navigating the Digital Jungle: Scripts for Parents Explaining Why Smartwatches are a Better Alternative to Smartphones
Scripts for Parents on Explaining Why Smartwatches are a Better Alternative to Smartphones (Based on Your Child’s Age) Navigating conversations with your child about why a smartwatch is a better choice than a smartphone can be challenging. Here are tailored scripts for parents to use with children of different ages, explaining the benefits of smartwatches and setting clear expectations for future smartphone use. Script for Young Children (Ages 5-8) Parent: “I know you’re excited because some of your friends have smartphones, but a smartphone is a big responsibility. Right now, you’re still learning how to use technology safely. A smartwatch is a great way to start because it lets us talk to each other, and I can always know where you are. You’ll still be able to use it for fun things like counting your steps and wearing it at school. When you’re older and ready for more responsibility, we can talk about getting a smartphone.” Child: “But why can’t I have a phone like [friend’s name]?” Parent: “I understand that you want a phone, but having a phone means there are a lot more things to keep track of, and it’s easy to get distracted by games or videos. With a smartwatch, you can still stay connected and safe, but without those distractions. Let’s try the watch first and see how you like it!” Script for Pre-teens (Ages 9-12) Parent: “I know you’ve been asking about getting a smartphone, but I want to talk about why I think a smartwatch is a better fit for now. With a smartphone, there are a lot of things like social media and the internet that can be hard to manage. A smartwatch still lets you communicate with me, and I can make sure you’re safe with the GPS, but it doesn’t have all the extra stuff that can be overwhelming. It’s a good step before getting a phone.” Child: “But I’m old enough to have a phone! Everyone else at school has one.” Parent: “I understand that it feels like everyone has one, but using a smartphone comes with big responsibilities, like knowing how to stay safe online and balancing screen time. A smartwatch helps you learn some of those skills first. We can revisit the idea of a phone later, but for now, let’s try this. You’ll still have ways to talk to friends and keep in touch with me, but without some of the risks.” Script for Teens (Ages 13-15) Parent: “I know we’ve talked about getting a smartphone, and I see that you’re feeling ready for more independence. I want to make sure we approach it in a way that keeps you safe and helps you develop healthy habits with technology. That’s why I think starting with a smartwatch makes sense. You can still text, call, and even track your activities, but you won’t have to worry about some of the distractions and pressures that come with having a smartphone.” Teen: “But why can’t I just get a phone? I feel like you don’t trust me.” Parent: “It’s not about trust, it’s about making sure we’re being thoughtful with technology. Smartphones have a lot of benefits, but they also come with challenges, like managing screen time and social media. A smartwatch lets you stay connected while learning those habits. As you show more responsibility, we can talk about transitioning to a smartphone when you’re ready.” Script for Older Teens (Ages 16+) Parent: “I understand that you’re looking forward to having a smartphone, and we’ve discussed how technology can be both useful and distracting. Before we make the leap to a smartphone, I think a smartwatch is a good stepping stone. It allows you to communicate and have some independence, while also giving you a chance to build healthy digital habits. A phone comes with a lot of freedom but also more potential risks, like getting distracted by social media or spending too much time on the screen. A smartwatch will help prepare you for those challenges.” Teen: “I feel like I’m ready for a phone. A lot of people my age have one already.” Parent: “I hear you, and it’s great that you feel ready for more independence. A smartwatch is a way to show responsibility while still learning how to manage digital tools. It’s a step toward earning that trust for a smartphone. We can talk about moving to a smartphone once we feel confident that the habits you build with the watch are strong enough to handle more distractions and responsibilities.” Conclusion By using these scripts, you can foster open conversations that emphasise the advantages of smartwatches as a gradual step toward more responsibility. Tailoring the conversation based on your child’s age and maturity helps set a clear, positive framework for the future introduction of a smartphone, while reinforcing the benefits of using a smartwatch in the meantime.