In today’s tech-savvy world, it’s crucial for parents to address the rising issue of deepfake technology and its potential impact on our children. Recent incidents, such as the one in a New Jersey high school where students created fake nude photos of their classmates using AI, underscore the real-world consequences of these digital manipulations. Let’s delve into a conversation about what deepfakes are, their legal implications, and how we can guide our kids through this digital landscape.
Fake Pictures, Real Problems
The situation in New Jersey serves as a wake-up call. With easy access to tools that create and share fake images, concerns about privacy and consent have become more significant than ever. Traditionally, deepfakes were used to alter the appearances of politicians, but now, 96 percent of them are explicit, and 99 percent target women. This shift raises serious questions about the ethics and legal issues surrounding this kind of technology.
Legal Confusion: Understanding Deepfake Laws
Unlike some other harmful actions, there’s no national law against making or spreading deepfakes. While some states, like Virginia, Illinois, Hawaii, and California, have created their own rules, there’s no clear national standard. Making things trickier, it’s hard to take legal action against deepfakes because they’re made using a mix of images, making it tough to track them down or file copyright complaints.
Starting the Talk
As parents, it’s on us to start talking to our kids about deepfakes. Here’s a simple guide:
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What Are Deepfakes?
Explain in easy terms what deepfakes are and how they’re made. Use examples that your kids can relate to, and ensure they understand that messing with pictures can have serious consequences.
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Privacy and Saying ‘Yes’
Emphasize how important it is for people to say ‘yes’ before anyone messes with their pictures. Talk about the difference between pictures that are okay to share and those that aren’t.
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What’s Legal?
Help your kids understand that, right now, there aren’t clear rules about deepfakes. Some states have their own laws, but we need better national rules. Discuss why it’s essential to have clear guidelines.
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Consequences
Discuss what could happen to someone who makes or shares deepfakes, especially if they use private and explicit images. Ask your kids what they think is a fair consequence and whether it should be different if the pictures were taken with permission.
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Education is Key
Guiding your children extends beyond the technicalities; it involves having an open and honest conversation about online safety. Share with them the importance of responsible online behavior, gently highlighting the potential consequences. Fostering this understanding creates a safe and open environment for them to navigate the digital world.
Additionally, you can enroll your child in our Digital Citizenship course for students in 1st through 3rd grade, and 4th through 8th grade. This program is specifically crafted to equip them with essential skills, offering a solid foundation to navigate the digital world responsibly. It’s a proactive step towards ensuring their safety and fostering a positive online experience.
Wrapping Up
In our digital age, being a parent means helping your kids navigate the online world. Talking openly and honestly with them about things like deepfakes is crucial—it gives them the know-how to make smart choices on the internet. At the same time, let’s work together to push for better rules that keep everyone safe from the not-so-great stuff happening online.
To better protect your kids online, consider taking courses like our DIGITAL PARENTING 101. This program is designed to give parents the tools they need to keep their children safe from online dangers and ensure a positive digital experience. Learning more about the digital world is like adding an extra layer of safety for your family.
Our book, “Parenting in the Digital World: A Step-by-Step Guide to Online Safety” can be your go-to manual for keeping your kids safe on the internet. It answers your most important questions about keeping your kids safe online—covering topics like sexting, predators, bullying, screen time, and pornography. Plus, it shows you how to set up parental controls on devices and apps your kids use every day like Windows 10, macOS, Chromebook, Apple iOS, Android, Xbox, PlayStation, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more.
By keeping the conversation going, staying informed, and learning about the digital world together, you’re actively creating a safer and more enjoyable online experience for your family. Together, as parents and as a society, we can help our kids navigate the digital world with confidence and security.
