Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most significant creations in recent history but it has also raised concerns over personal privacy and security of social media users, including children.
Parents often share pictures and videos of their children on social media without thinking about the consequences of uploading these photos and videos. In the wrong hands, the shared pictures and videos can destroy a child’s life.
Where are the risks?
Research on AI has been going on for a long time. Since World War II, people's dependence on this technology has been increasing day by day.
Agriculture, education, and business now all use artificial intelligence in some capacity in various countries of the world.
According to technology experts, artificial intelligence is capable of spreading false information very subtly. It has made it easier than ever before to make fake photos of individuals, which is a violation of personal privacy.
Recently, an offensive video of a woman went viral on social media. The 9-second video was created using the woman’s image with the help of AI. Her personal life was seriously affected by the spread of the picture.
Experts concerned about harmful aspects of AI
About the harmful aspects of artificial intelligence, software engineer Masuk Helal Anik told Dhaka Tribune: “Artificial intelligence is one of the most advanced technologies today. And in this age of social media we share a lot of personal information. As a result, information is now much more readily available. Anyone can get this information easily, which has both uses and abuses. Abuse of images or videos of children is also a concern. This is still not common in Bangladesh, however, the fear of this cannot be ruled out.”
He further said: “Awareness is the main key against cybercrime. If we are self-aware, we can be much safer. It is possible to reduce such crime, but it is difficult to eliminate it. It is very necessary to adapt ourselves with the development of technology. It is advisable to at least be aware and take care of your own children.”
In this regard, Bangladesh Supreme Court Lawyer Advocate Abdullah Al Ashiq told Dhaka Tribune: “The country currently has laws for any type of cybercrime. The regarding act provides all types of digital security to citizens. In case of cybercrime, a case can be filed in the concerned tribunal.”
He further said: “In the past it was seen that most of the users of digital platforms were between 18 and 40 years of age. But nowadays, we see that children are more inclined to use social media, YouTube channels etc. Also, we often see parents posting videos of their child's daily activities on social media. They are going viral. In this, the tendency of children to use digital platforms is also increasing. Misuse of AI may threaten the lives of these children in the future.”
Lawyer Abdullah Al Ashiq said: “We must be aware of the use of technology. We should avoid sharing all types of pictures or videos on social media. We should not accept strangers as friends on social media.”
Furthermore, it is also possible to deal with such an unpleasant situation by actions taken by the government, said the lawyer.
“For example, most recently the government blocked access to all kinds of porn websites in the country. The use of VPN technology has also already been restricted. Unpleasant situations can be avoided if AI technology is used more carefully and its negative aspects are strictly suppressed,” he added.
Awareness of parents
ALthough many parents have little knowledge of AI, some are becoming more aware recently.
Relatively young parents take the matter very seriously.
A parent named Ayesha (pseudonym) said: “Facebook can be hacked at any time, so it is necessary to turn on two-step verification. To prevent abuse, I make personal posts 'friends only'. Keeping in mind the risk, I do not keep complete strangers as friends on my Facebook. And now, through artificial intelligence, it is easy to put another person's face on a different picture."
"In such a situation, I would seek the help of the police," she added.
Another parent, wishing anonymity, said: "We share pictures or videos of our children from time to time. But I always keep my photos private on Facebook. So that no one but my friends can see my pictures somehow. However, the harassment of children along with adults in the pictures of children and artificial intelligence is quite worrying. This leaves children with the potential for lifelong harm. Our awareness about this is also very low, which needs to be increased.”
Yet another parent said: “Even if I give the child's picture on Facebook, I never make it public. I do not post in any public groups. Anyone with bad intentions can misuse pictures that are posted on public groups.”
Maisha (pseudonym), a 14 year old, has been using social media to study since the pandemic. She used to get all class related information from her mother's account.
She said: “I did my education during Covid pandemic through my mother's Facebook account. Besides taking our classes through messenger, the teachers did all the daily work. My mother always told me not to use Facebook unless necessary, and my mother’s profile has always been locked. She does not keep unnecessary people as friends.”
Only awareness, public-private initiatives and proper implementation of laws can save children from the negative effects of artificial intelligence, according to experts.
