UK man sentenced to 18 years for using AI to create child pornography

bolton - A 27-year-old man in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to eighteen years in prison for using computer programs and artificial intelligence (AI) to create child pornography.

The man, identified as Hugh Nelson, altered photos of real children, according to the British Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). One prosecutor described it as the worst possible way to use the technology.

Nelson was reportedly active in private chat rooms where he sold images and discussed child abuse. He admitted to earning around £5000 (almost €6000) over a period of one and a half years from trading such images. He was also accused of encouraging the abuse of young children online. He was arrested by Greater Manchester police last year.

UK Sky News has described the sentencing as a milestone. While there have been previous cases of people being jailed for using AI to create child pornography, it is reportedly the first time that generated images have been linked to real children. During interrogation, Nelson stated that the images were often requested by "fathers, uncles, and family friends", according to Sky News.