AI Image Distortion Is Risky Business

AI-generated fake images are being used to blackmail, with tragic results

- Team Mint

After a US teenager died by suicide this year, his parents discovered he had received threatening texts demanding $3,000 to suppress an AI-generated nude image of him. The tragedy underscores how so-called sextortion scams targeting children are growing around the world, reports AFP, particularly with the rapid proliferation of "nudify" apps—AI tools that digitally strip off clothing or generate sexualized imagery. Elijah Heacock, 16, was just one of thousands of American minors targeted by such digital blackmail, which has spurred calls for more action from tech platforms and regulators. Nudify apps, which rose to prominence targeting celebrities, are being in