Prosecutors have charged Steven Anderegg from Wisconsin with creating and distributing child sexual abuse material using artificial intelligence. Authorities allege that Anderegg utilized the AI tool Stable Diffusion to generate the illicit images.
Former Air Force employee David Slater, arrested for leaking classified information via a dating website during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, faces up to 10 years in prison. (Photo by Marvin RECINOS / AFP)
Arrested for Distributing CSAM
Steven Anderegg, 42 years old, has been arrested by the authorities in Wisconsin for allegedly creating and sharing thousands of AI-generated images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was described by the court as highly skilled in technology, with a background in computer science and many years of experience in software engineering.
Andereg is accused of sending these AI-generated images of naked minors to a 15-year-old boy through Instagram direct messages.
Law enforcement became aware of Anderegg after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children flagged the messages he allegedly sold AI-generated images to a 15-year-old boy through Instagram direct images.
Because of this, The Verge reported that he was put on law enforcement's radar after interacting with minors last October. New findings from law enforcement regarding Instagram activity have surfaced, shedding light on concerning behavior by Anderegg.
It's reported that he shared an Instagram story featuring a disturbingly realistic image of minors in BDSM attire, encouraging others to explore similar content on Telegram.
Furthermore, private messages reveal Anderegg's alarming interest in young boys, alongside claims of possessing a trove of AI-generated child exploitation images on Telegram.
This is a clear reminder of the need for increased vigilance online and for being more cautious and attentive when engaging in online activities.
By acknowledging this need, individuals and organizations are encouraged to proactively protect themselves and their data from threats.
Using Stable Diffusion
A startling discovery was made in the investigation conducted by law enforcement officials on Anderegg's computer. Prosecutors revealed that over 13,000 images were found, with a significant portion depicting minors either nude or partially clothed.
The charging documents assert that Anderegg employed the text-to-image model Stable Diffusion, a creation of Stability AI, to generate these images.
Furthermore, Anderegg is alleged to have utilized highly specific and explicit prompts to guide the creation process. Disturbingly, the investigation uncovered the use of "negative prompts" to avoid generating images.
Additionally, Anderegg reportedly utilized third-party add-ons for Stable Diffusion specialized in producing genitalia. These revelations shed light on the intricate methods employed by Anderegg, prompting further scrutiny of the use and implications of such AI technologies.
In a submission advocating for Anderegg's pretrial confinement, the government emphasized his extensive background as a software engineer, boasting more than twenty years of experience.
His recent tenure at a startup was particularly noteworthy, where he utilized his sophisticated technical expertise to craft AI models.
If convicted, Anderegg could be subject to a maximum imprisonment term of 70 years, with prosecutors suggesting that the recommended sentencing range might extend to a lifetime behind bars.
These particulars underscore the severity of the accusations leveled against Anderegg and the potential severity of the penalties awaiting him if found guilty.
