UK man jailed for 18 years for creating AI child abuse images
UK man jailed for 18 years for creating AI child abuse images
Occurred: 2023
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A 27-year-old man from Bolton, UK, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for creating and distributing AI-generated child abuse images.Β
The landmark case involved Hugh Nelson using AI-powered 3D modeling software Daz 3D to transform ordinary photographs of children into explicit content, which he then sold or distributed online for approximately GBP 5,000 over an 18-month period.
Nelson was arrested after engaging in conversations with an undercover police officer in a paedophile chatroom, where he discussed his activities and encouraged others to commit sexual offenses against minors.Β
Nelson pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making and distributing indecent images and inciting the rape of children under 13.
Despite Daz 3D's licensing agreement prohibiting such use, Nelson exploited it to produce, share and profit from indecent pseudo photographs of children.
Ultimately, Nelson's actions stemmed from a combination of personal issues and a desire for validation within a community of like-minded individuals.Β
His defense attorney described him as socially isolated and seeking acceptance through his disturbing online activities.
Unlike traditional forms of child exploitation material, which typically involve actual images of abuse, Nelson's approach involved transforming innocent images into explicit content, raising new legal and ethical challenges in identifying and prosecuting such crimes.
Accordingly, Nelson's case sets a significant precedent in the legal landscape concerning AI-generated child exploitation material. It also underscores the urgent need for law enforcement and legal frameworks to adapt to rapidly evolving technologies that pose new risks to children.
3D modeling
In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical coordinate-based representation of a surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software by manipulating edges, vertices, and polygons in a simulated 3D space.
Source: Wikipedia π
Daz 3D π
Operator:
Developer: Daz Productions
Country: UK
Sector: Media/entertainment/sports/arts
Purpose: Generate 3D characters
Technology: Machine learning
Issue: Ethics/values; Safety
Crown Prosecution Service. Man who used AI technology to create child sexual abuse images jailed
Page info
Type: Incident
Published: October 2024