While the Internet provides ever-expanding opportunities to exploit children, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a leading role in combating the problem. The department’s cybercrime and child exploitation specialists are examples of where the federal government is clearly aligned with the American people on an issue of critical national interest.
Mike Prado, the deputy assistant director of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), sat down with Federal Newswire to discuss the agency’s efforts to confront online child sexual exploitation.
The Worsening Problem of Child Exploitation
The numbers speak for themselves. Prado says the growth of online child sexual exploitation is a sobering reality.
"To give you some context, we work very closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. When I started in this business decades ago, about 12 million kids were coming into the cyber tip line annually. That has now grown to 36 million just this past year," he said. The figures indicate the scale of the issue and the strain it places on law enforcement.
The reasons for this increase are multifaceted. Prado acknowledged that while law enforcement has become more adept at identifying exploitation, the primary driver is the growing accessibility of the internet.
"As more people get online, it’s more accessible," he said, adding that the rise of smartphones, social media, and even cryptocurrency have all contributed to the problem.
AI: A New Challenge for Law Enforcement
One of the most pressing issues HSI faces is the use of AI in generating child sexual exploitation material. Prado emphasized the growing danger AI presents in creating or altering explicit content.
"Generative AI is the next big wave for law enforcement," he said. "We’re right in the middle of experiencing a major growth in the use of generative AI tools to create, or alter, previously existing child sexual abuse material."
Many might believe that AI-generated content occupies a legal gray area, but Prado was quick to clarify: "There is a misconception out there that AI-generated images of child exploitation are somehow in a gray area or even legal. That cannot be further from the truth."
Prado pointed to legal precedents, noting that AI-generated material is, in fact, illegal and can be prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. 1466, a federal law related to obscene material.
The Role of AI in Combating Crime
While AI poses significant risks, it also offers tools that can help law enforcement. DHS is working within the framework of the president's executive order on AI to create systems that can aid agents in their investigations. Prado explained that AI could soon reduce the traumatic burden on agents who have to review explicit material.
"We are coming up with automated tools that can do that for the agent. That’s a real game-changer for us, because it enables us to very quickly turn around a forensic report for prosecution," he said.
These advancements not only speed up the investigative process but also protect the mental health of agents who are often exposed to deeply disturbing content.
The Toll on Investigators
Prado touched on the toll these investigations take on agents. "Having been an agent who worked these cases almost exclusively for eight years at the beginning of my career, you're absolutely correct on planning for trauma," he said, referring to the emotional strain that comes with the job.
To address this, DHS has implemented a robust peer-support program called the “armor program,” which provides agents with access to mental health professionals and resources. Prado emphasized that no one is forced to take on these investigations, but despite the difficulty, many agents volunteer.
"There’s no shortage of volunteers who work this. Because while it’s absolutely heart-wrenching to investigate, there’s no higher calling, in my opinion, than what the men and women of our agency and law enforcement in general are doing when it comes to protecting children," he said.
Parents: The First Line of Defense
When asked what parents can do to protect their children, Prado’s response was clear: communication is key. "Children are online more and more. That’s just the reality of the time that we live in now," he said. He likened letting a child go online to “opening your home to a stranger.”
Prado urged parents to have open conversations with their children about online threats and to use resources available at Protect.gov, which provides safety tips and advice on securing devices and social media accounts.
How to Report Cybercrime
For the average person who might come across child exploitation or other cybercrimes, Prado advised reaching out to local law enforcement in emergencies. In addition, reports can be made through Protect.gov or via HSI’s tip line at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.
In the fight against online child exploitation, Prado’s is clear: DHS is committed to using every tool available to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
"There’s no higher calling," Prado reiterated, "than saving a child from harm.”
