AMSTERDAM, Feb 28 (Reuters) – A coordinated international law enforcement operation this week resulted in the arrest of two dozen individuals connected to a criminal network that distributed artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images depicting child sexual abuse, according to the European Union’s police agency, Europol, on Friday.
The investigation represents one of the first major actions targeting AI-generated child abuse material, highlighting a critical gap in national legislation regarding the use of AI tools for malicious purposes, Europol stated.
The primary suspect, a Danish national, operated an online platform used to disseminate the AI-created content. Users from around the world were able to access the platform by making a small online payment.
The operation is ongoing, with authorities from 19 countries participating, including Australia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Most of the 25 arrests were executed simultaneously on Wednesday, with Danish authorities taking the lead. Europol declined to specify the precise locations of the arrests, but said more are anticipated in the coming weeks.
