'Sexual images sent using AI with the young persons face on an AI body' - Local GAA team issue warning after young person targeted
TírnanÓg GAA in Portadown have issued a stark warning for young people throughout Northern Ireland after ‘young people are being targeted’ locally.
A post on social media from TírnanÓg GAA says: ‘We wish to make our young people and parents aware of a young person who has been targeted in the community.
‘Sexual images were sent using AI with the young persons face on an AI body with a black mail threat of sharing the image online if money was not paid.
‘The age of AI meant these images were very realistic,’ it added.
The post adds that ‘a list of the young persons friends on social media was also sent to the young person’.
‘Thankfully the young person targeted was very sensible and immediately alerted their parents.
‘Police have been contacted and have asked for local clubs and schools to alert parents and young people’.
The post adds advice to ‘protect young people’.
‘1. It’s not your fault
Being targeted, bullied or harassed online is never your fault, no matter what someone says.
2. Don’t reply or react
Responding can make it worse. Bullies often want attention or a reaction.
3. Save the evidence
Take screenshots of messages, comments, usernames, dates and times. Don’t delete them.
4. Block and report
Use the platform’s block and report tools straight away.
5. Tell a trusted adult
This could be a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or youth worker. You don’t have to deal with it alone.
6. Protect your privacy
7. Look after your wellbeing’
A PSNI spokesman said that ‘police in Portadown received a report at around 12.05am on Tuesday, 6th January of online blackmail’. Neighbourhood Inspector McCullough said: “Our officers recently spoke to young people on the topic of online blackmail, including scammers and spam, advising them to tell their parents or guardians.
"We take all reports of this nature seriously and investigate them thoroughly. “Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this recent report and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 10 of 06/01/26. “Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.” The Police Service has issued online safety advice in relation to online blackmail, which includes: Don’t get lured or pushed into compromising situations.
Trust your gut, and end uncomfortable situations immediately. Always remember that what goes online may well stay online. Be wary about whom you invite or accept invitations from on social networking sites.
Do not accept friendship requests from complete strangers. Update the privacy settings on your social networking accounts so only people you know can view your account.
Do not include any sensitive or private information in profiles. For further information and details of organisations who can help, visit www.psni.police.uk/sextortion