AI child abuse images may require new prevention strategy, psychologists to hear – Irish Examiner
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The emergence of AI-generated CSAM ‘necessitates a shift from reactive criminal justice responses towards psychologically informed, public health approaches focused on prevention and harm reduction’. Stock picture
The rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) may require a shift towards psychologically-informed prevention strategies rather than reactive criminal justice responses, researchers will argue at a major conference this week.
The findings will be presented at the Psychological Society of Ireland‘s annual conference in Galway by researchers Darragh McCashin and Sinan Aşçi.
They will argue that the emergence of AI-generated CSAM “necessitates a shift from reactive criminal justice responses towards psychologically informed, public health approaches focused on prevention and harm reduction”.
Their research suggests prevention strategies are required that address risk factors before offending occurs, alongside greater attention to how AI-generated CSAM may reshape understandings of harm.
“Research in this field highlights opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration, policy development, and public health interventions aimed at reducing technology-facilitated sexual offending and strengthening child protection efforts.”
The issue is among a wide range of topics being explored at the conference, which runs in Galway from Wednesday to Friday.
Other presentations will examine the portrayal of anxiety and mental health issues on TikTok amid concern about how such conditions are used on social media for content creation.
Meanwhile, a team of researchers from University College Cork will present on the impact of travelling abroad from Ireland for endometriosis treatment, under a scheme introduced by health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.
In September, the reported that more than 220 women made queries about the scheme, 93 completed applications, 70 were approved to travel for surgery, and 12 applications were in progress.
The majority of women travelled to the UK and France for procedures for the painful and debilitating condition which affects one in seven Irish women and girls.
The conference will also hear from Cork abuse survivor Louise O’Keeffe, who will outline her commitment to ensuring access to redress for all abuse survivors.
Ms O’Keeffe was sexually abused by teacher Leo Hickey in Dunderrow National School in West Cork in the 1970s.
Mark Smyth, chairperson of the conference committee, said: “The programme reflects the breadth of psychology and its relevance to the challenges facing individuals, families and communities.
“By bringing together research, professional practice, and lived experience, the conference creates opportunities to share knowledge, explore different perspectives, and consider how psychological evidence can help inform meaningful responses to these challenges.”
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