The continued rise of AI and social media has affected all areas of society, including the creation and spread of deepfakes. In this month's guide, you will learn:

• The definition of a deepfake
• The Take It Down Act
• Steps to take if it happens to you or someone you know
• Resources and tips for parents/caregivers
• How and where to report deepfake pornography

C.A.S.T. provides an in-depth presentation on internet safety in our "Power Over Predators: Your Brain Matters". Interested in the full presentation? Complete our Speaker Request Form.

WHAT ARE DEEPFAKES?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, deepfakes "are photos or videos that have been manipulated to show an individual doing something that they did not do."

The term "deepfakes" is most commonly used to refer to "the creation and distribution of nonconsensual manipulated intimate material.

For Example: Taking a yearbook photo and uploading it to AI to generate an intimate image of that person.

Please Note: People do not have to engage in intimate or sexualized behavior to be impacted by deepfakes.

Is this a new thing? While not necessarily a new problem, the accessibility to new and improved tools (ie. AI, apps, social media) has made it an urgent threat.

Source: RAINN

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

WHAT IS THE TAKE IT DOWN ACT?

The TAKE IT DOWN Act makes it a federal crime to knowingly share or threaten to share, non-consensual sexual AI-generated images that depict real people or the likeness of a real person.

According to RAINN, the Take It Down Act also requires online platforms and websites to remove the images within 48 hours of a victim/survivor's verified request.

Source: RAINN

Source: Congress.gov

STEPS TO TAKE IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW

You are worth protecting. Your worth never changes no matter what happens to you. It's not your fault.

1. Save the evidence for law enforcement — Your gut reaction may be to try to delete or hide the content. Instead, preserve evidence of the abuse by saving, printing, or taking screenshots of the material (capture dates, time stamps, and identifying information) until it has been handed over to law enforcement and they clear you to delete the content.
2. Immediately report it — On the platform on which it occurred and to law enforcement. If the victim is under 18-years old, report it at NCMEC's CyberTipline.
3. Get help — Cyber Civil Rights Initiative's Step-by-Step Guide or their Helpline at 844-878-CCRI (2274)
4. Talk with an attorney — A lawyer can help you understand the crime and your rights.

Source: Cyber Civil Rights Initiative

Source: RAINN

RESOURCES & TIPS FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS

How can we help our kids stay safer online?

1. Talk / Have open conversations — Engage in age-appropriate conversations about online risks. Check out C.A.S.T.'s guide on Internet Safety which has tools for parents/caregivers.
2. Be there unconditionally — They need to know you'll always get through tough situations together.
3. Monitor online activity — Use parental controls, review privacy settings, and keep devices in shared spaces.
4. Educate kids about privacy settings — In this age of social media influencing, help your children understand who has access when you keep your account public. What information can someone gather from their social media account? Do they want a random, creepy person knowing what school they go to, being able to figure out their location or home address? Use situations and examples with your kids.
5. Educate kids about consent — Teach children about the importance of boundaries and that they should never feel pressured to share photos or personal information.
6. Promote healthy skepticism — Warn children about interacting with strangers online and caution them about anyone asking for photos or videos, even people they know.
7. Stay informed — Understand what apps your child likes to use and how they work. Research online "Internet safety tips for _______ app". Keep up with the latest online trends, apps, and tools predators may use.
8. Spread the word — By educating each other, we create a stronger safety net for all of our children.

Source: RAINN

HOW TO REPORT & WHERE TO REPORT

It can be difficult knowing where to start when it comes to reporting deepfake content. Here's where to start:

• Report it to the platform where it occurred
• Report it to NCMEC's Cybertipline at report.cybertip.org

If your content or AI generated content of you is posted on the internet you can get it taken down using National Center of Missing and Exploited Children's Take It Down.

Looking For More Prevention Resources?

• C.A.S.T.'s Information & Resources Brochure for Students
• Love146 Tips and Resources
• National Human Trafficking Hotline (Call: 1-888-373-7888 // Text: 233733 // Website here.

Want additional talking points, situational drills, and a person to have direct Q&A? Request a FREE virtual or in-person speaker from C.A.S.T. for topics like:



• Human Trafficking 101
• Parent Workshops
• Youth Presentations
• Round Tables (small groups sessions for brainstorming and Q&A)

Want to Share With Us How You Are Taking Steps Toward Prevention?