Keeping Kids Safe in North Dakota: Williston Police Address AI Risks Online

The Williston Police Department continues to make community safety a top priority, and that includes looking out for children in today’s fast-changing digital world. The Williston Police Department recently shared an important reminder for parents and caregivers about the risks associated with generative artificial intelligence (GAI) and how to help keep kids safe online.

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Williston Police Warn North Dakota Parents: AI Technology Poses New Risks to Child Safety

Generative AI is a powerful tool that can create images, videos, audio, and text based on user prompts. While it has many benefits, it can also be misused in ways that threaten child safety. The police want parents to know that awareness and education are key to protecting children.

Some of the dangers highlighted include:

• GAI Child Sexual Abuse Material (GAI CSAM): Illegal material depicting children that can be created or altered with AI.

• Peer Victimization: Kids may face bullying or harassment when AI “nudify” apps or explicit content are circulated among classmates.

• Online Enticement: Predators may use fake accounts created with AI tools to lure children into dangerous situations.

• Sextortion: Blackmail schemes where children are coerced with explicit AI-generated images to provide money or more content.

The Williston Police encourage parents to have open conversations with their kids about how they use AI. A few tips for getting started include: asking your child to show you how they use AI, reassuring them that they can always come to you if something happens, and sharing trusted resources that explain online risks.

Read More: Level Up Your Parenting in North Dakota: Keeping Kids Safe in the Gaming World

Building Trust at Home: The First Line of Defense Against Online Risks

By staying engaged, parents can help their children safely navigate new technologies while also making sure they know where to turn if something feels wrong. The department emphasizes that building trust at home is one of the best defenses against online exploitation.

The Williston Police Department is proud to serve the community and remains committed to protecting children both offline and online. Their reminder is clear: as technology advances, so must our conversations about safety.