CANBERRA, Australia—Australian police are developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) prototype designed to assist officers in deciphering messages from online predators, particularly those leveraging Gen Z slang and emojis to hide their intentions.
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the initiative on Wednesday, noting that social media platforms have become fertile ground for a range of crimes, including sexual exploitation, bullying, and radicalization.
The police force is collaborating with technology giant Microsoft to create a tool capable of interpreting seemingly innocent emojis and colloquialisms that often conceal sinister communications.
Commissioner Barrett detailed the ambitious project: “Clever AFP members, with Microsoft, are developing a prototype AI tool that will interpret emojis and Gen Z-and-Alpha slang in encrypted communications. This prototype aims to make it quicker for our teams to save children from harm much earlier.”
Warning on ‘Crimefluencers’
Barrett also issued a strong warning about the emergence of “crimefluencers”—online predators who utilize social media influence and savvy to target vulnerable young users.
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The Commissioner described the motivation and targets of these criminals: “They are crimefluencers, and they are motivated by anarchy and hurting others, with most of their victims pre-teen or teenage girls,” she said.
The development of this AI tool comes as Australia prepares to implement sweeping regulations targeting social media platforms. Beginning December 10, social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will be mandated to remove all users under the age of 16.
Global regulators are closely observing Australia’s approach as governments around the world struggle to manage the inherent dangers of social media platforms and protect minors online.
