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Kaspersky, a company that specializes in cybersecurity, has alerted security experts to the possible dangers that are linked with the spread of AI bots within the Messenger app, particularly for younger users.
More than 300,000 chatbots are already active on Facebook Messenger alone, with varied levels of safety and possible hazards, according to the experts, who emphasized the enormity of the problem by predicting that this number is currently operating.
As we can see, many of the tendencies that are now taking place in today’s society are also having an effect on children, which places them in a position where they could be targets for attackers. In a blog post, Kaspersky stated that this encompasses not just the growth and appeal of artificial intelligence and smart homes, but also the rise of the gaming business and the financial technology sector.
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Children’s Vulnerability to AI
It was acknowledged in the blog post by Kaspersky that artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent in everyday life, from chatbots and AI wearables to tailored online shopping recommendations. The report highlighted the expanding influence of AI in a variety of industries.
Children frequently interact with artificial intelligence tools for a variety of purposes, which raises worries over data privacy, cyber risks, and exposure to unsuitable content. The appeal of these technology to children highlights these concerns.
The unintended disclosure of content that is improper for a certain age group by chatbots is one of the risks that has been brought to light. This presents a serious concern, particularly to adolescents, who may feel more at ease exchanging personal information with chatbots than with their actual friends and acquaintances.
There were instances that were described in which chatbots offered guidance to users who claimed to be 15 years old on how to conceal the odor of alcohol and marijuana. This served to emphasize the potential severity of the problem.
AI Bots on Facebook Messenger
The particular emphasis placed on Facebook Messenger, which has a large number of users, brought to light the importance of exercising prudence. According to the blog post, not all of the chatbots that are available on the platform are secure, which is why it is necessary to have a comprehensive grasp of the hazards that are involved.
When it comes to the gaming sector, where young gamers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cybercriminal activities, the threats extend beyond Facebook Messenger and involve the entire gaming industry. 91 percent of children in the United Kingdom between the ages of three and fifteen play digital games on their gadgets, which leaves them susceptible to the possibility of being attacked by cybercriminals.
The post on the blog highlighted situations in which cybercriminals take advantage of unmoderated voice and text chats in gaming platforms in order to establish a virtual relationship of trust with young innocent victims.
In addition, the proliferation of financial technology for children, which includes the provision of banking cards to youngsters as young as 12 years old, presents threat actors with new financial reasons. It was emphasized that there is a possibility that children could become victims of scams, schemes that promise free equipment, or social engineering techniques.
When it comes to navigating the ever-changing landscape of fintech for children, Kaspersky suggested that teaching children about financial literacy and the fundamentals of cybersecurity would be beneficial.
Read More: Top 5 AI Chatbots for 2023
Smart Home Threats
There was also a discussion about the dangers that children face in smart homes, with the point being made that as more equipment become “smart” and interconnected, children become tools for cybercriminals to use in prospective assaults.
The security experts strongly recommended that parents take maximum precautions to ensure the safety of their children’s smart home gadgets by modifying the default settings, establishing new passwords, and teaching their children fundamental cybersecurity guidelines.
This post brought to light the growing awareness of children, both offline and online, regarding their personal space, privacy, and sensitive data. It was written in the context of artificial intelligence.
It was emphasized how important it is to have a conversation with children about the use of digital parenting applications, to respect their personal space, and to establish clear boundaries and expectations.
Read More: Scientists Develop Protection Against Jailbreaks for Language Models Like ChatGPT