AI Chatbot Launched on PornHub to Combat Child Sexual Abuse Searches in Flanders
The organisation for the prevention of child sexual abuse in Flanders has introduced an AI chatbot on PornHub aimed at curbing searches for illegal images of children and assisting individuals seeking to alter their behaviour, reports 24brussels.
The initiative, led by Stop It Now!, aims to utilize artificial intelligence to discourage users from searching for such content on the platform. Previously, users in Flanders encountered warning messages, but the addition of the chatbot marks a significant enhancement.
“We want to guide people who want to change their disturbing behaviour towards help,” stated spokesperson Larissa Van Puyvelde.
“The statistics show that we have already reached hundreds of people in that first week.”
The project has been developed in collaboration with Aylo, the parent company of PornHub, as well as the Lucy Faithfull Foundation in the UK, which first created the tool in 2022. The chatbot has been localized into Dutch to cater to Flemish users.
In the UK’s evaluation of the chatbot after 18 months, significant outcomes were observed, including a decrease in searches for child sexual abuse content; notably, one warning from the chatbot successfully discouraged users from continuing their searches in 82 percent of instances. Additionally, inquiries to helplines witnessed a notable increase.
Coaching Programme Integration
The Flemish version of the chatbot not only assists users in identifying inappropriate behaviour but also directs them to professional services and the Stop It Now! helpline. This service was activated last week for users accessing PornHub from Flanders.
“The statistics show that we have already reached hundreds of people in that first week,” Van Puyvelde reiterated. “However, whether we were able to refer them to the helpline is still unclear.”
Stop It Now! Flanders was founded with the mission of preventing child sexual abuse while providing support to those grappling with inappropriate sexual thoughts and behaviours towards minors. The organisation also offers an anonymous online coaching programme alongside a self-help module.
