A digital security guide against the AI threat
Visual manipulations can be turned into weapons for blackmail and cyberbullying. Experts have listed the precautions that should be taken to ensure your security in the digital world.
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Visual manipulation technologies have moved beyond being simple tools for entertainment and have now turned into weapons for blackmail and cyberbullying. Experts warn, "Thinking that the only danger lies in specific platforms is a major misconception; the issue falls under the scope of crimes that violate the privacy of personal life," and offer the following warnings:
1. A SHARED PHOTO IS NO LONGER YOURS
Never forget that every photo you upload to the internet can be saved to the devices of people you do not know. Having a "private" profile does not completely eliminate this risk.
2. DIGITAL ARCHIVES DO NOT FORGET
Even if you delete your social media posts, act with the reality that this content may have been backed up by archive sites like the "Wayback Machine" or by third-party software.
3. THE FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY OF THE ''STORY'' MODE
Thinking that "Story" posts, which disappear within 24 hours, are not permanent is a major mistake. These images can be copied in seconds through screenshots or third-party tracking tools.
4. AVOID SHARING PHOTOS OF CHILDREN
Sharing photos of your children or your own childhood photos can pave the way for these faces to be scanned by artificial intelligence and used in inappropriate content (Deepfake). This situation can lead to irreversible victimization.
5. TECHNICAL PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING EMOJIS
If you are covering sensitive areas in your photos with emojis, take a screenshot of the image after adding the emoji and share that. Some advanced software can extract layers on the original photo file to remove the emoji; taking a screenshot merges these layers and reduces the risk.
6. PURSUE LEGAL CHANNELS AGAINST CYBER HARASSMENT
If a harasser manipulates your photos with artificial intelligence (by adding nudity, etc.) and threatens you with your family or social circle, take screenshots without wasting time and report it to the police and cybercrime units.
7. AWARENESS AT AN EARLY AGE
Inform children and young people in particular about the dark side of artificial intelligence. Create awareness about how an image they share in the digital world could resurface years later.
Journalist's Note: Remember, the best defense method in the digital world is "not sharing." However, if you do share, implementing these security protocols will strengthen your hand in the face of a potential cyberattack.