In a joint statement, several UN agencies warned of “the staggering amount of harmful content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) online” and called for urgent measures to prevent exploitation and psychological trauma.

They also detailed that, in the United States alone, such crimes increased from 4,700 in 2023 to 67,000 in 2024.

The Director of the Development Bureau of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Cosmas Zavazava, noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many children and young people were abused through digital platforms via cyberbullying and inappropriate content, which in many cases resulted in physical harm.

Furthermore, she warned that AI is being used to analyze children’s online behavior, emotional state, and interests in order to tailor a bullying strategy.

Criminals also generate fake images to extort their victims.

“We are truly concerned and would like the private sector to get involved, participate, and be part of the story we are writing together with other UN agencies and other actors who believe that technology can be an enabler, but it can also destroy,” Zavazava stated.

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