November Safeguarding Spotlight: AI & Sextortion

This month, our Safeguarding Spotlight focuses on AI and sextortion — a growing online risk where artificial intelligence can be misused to create content and criminals may attempt to blackmail individuals with sexual images or information. It’s essential for everyone in the judo community to understand these risks and know how to protect themselves and others.

This article covers sensitive topics – Please take care when reading.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to technology designed to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence. These tasks can include:

• Understanding language

• Recognising patterns

• Solving problems and making decisions

AI is becoming increasingly common, including Generative AI, which can produce new content such as images and text. Children and young people are often among the first to engage with these new technologies.

Learn more about AI: Coursera – What Is Artificial Intelligence? Definition, Uses, and Types

What is Sextortion?

‘Sextortion’ is a type of online blackmail where criminals threaten to share sexual images, videos, or personal information unless the victim pays money or performs unwanted actions.

While anyone can be a victim, young people aged 15–17 and adults under 30 are often at higher risk.

Learn more: Police.uk – Sextortion

AI & Safeguarding

Recent research highlights how Generative AI impacts children’s safety and wellbeing both online and offline. Key findings come from:

• Research commissioned by the NSPCC and conducted by legal and technology consultancy AWO, including interviews and workshops with professionals from child safety, AI development, and policymaking sectors.

• Consultations with 11 young people aged 13–16 through the NSPCC’s Voice of Online Youth panel.

• Insights from Childline on children’s experiences with AI.

The research explores the range of harms children may face from Gen AI, identifies solutions, and recommends policy responses.

Read the full report: NSPCC – Viewing Generative AI and Children’s Safety in the Round

Additional guidance: Ineqe Safeguarding Group – Safeguarding Alert: Sextortion and the Rise of AI

Support and Contact

If you have concerns about AI use and safeguarding in your club, please contact:
safeguarding@britishjudo.org.uk

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