Hackers are using AI-generated fake nude images to extort their victims

The authorities have raised the alarm about a new type of extortion that has emerged in the digital realm, taking advantage of advances in Artificial Intelligence. The FBI has received multiple reports of people falling victim to this form of cyberblackmail, in which hackers use AI-generated images to simulate intimate photos and then threaten to leak them if a large sum of money is not paid.

In these cases, criminals use sophisticated techniques to create false images in which the victim's face is edited onto compromising bodies and scenes. These doctored photos are sent directly to the victims by malicious actors with the aim of blackmailing them, using the tactic known as sextortion or stalking.

The FBI has launched extensive investigations to find those responsible for this wave of digital extortion. According to their reports, these cases have been on the rise in recent months, indicating a worrying trend. The sophistication of the techniques used by hackers and the difficulty in tracking their activities online have posed a considerable challenge for authorities.

One of the reasons why many people, mostly women, prefer to pay even knowing that the images are false, lies in the direct impact that this type of material can have on their personal and work lives. The possibility of intimate images being leaked, even AI-generated and edited, can cause serious emotional, reputational, and legal damage. Many victims feel cornered and choose to give in to the extortionists' demands to avoid any negative repercussions.

The FBI has warned of the challenges victims face once this type of manipulated material begins to circulate. Difficulty in preventing further sharing online or having it completely removed from the Internet can be a significant obstacle. The viralization of these images, even if they are false, can have devastating consequences for the personal and professional lives of the people affected.