Celebrate Safer Internet Day and Understand the Risks of AI

Safer Internet Day and the Rise of Online Crimes

Safer Internet Day, celebrated on February 10, highlights the growing concern over digital security in Brazil. Data from SaferNet shows a **224.9%** increase in reports of **misogyny, violence, and discrimination** against women in one year. This escalation is accompanied by a new problem: **deepfakes** and AI-generated nude images.

Reports indicate that requests for assistance related to **leaked intimate images** increased by **115%** between 2024 and 2025, associated with the malicious use of generative AI. Thiago Tavares, president of SaferNet, stated: "We received the first cases of individuals who fell victim to pornographic deepfakes. They are fake images but extremely realistic, created without any consent."

The Use of AI in Digital Crimes

The growing use of AI for criminal purposes is not confined to a national phenomenon. A partial report from SaferNet's research on this topic, funded by UNICEF's SafeOnline fund, will be presented in São Paulo. In addition to misogyny, other forms of **hate** have also seen significant increases; reports of incitement to crimes against life grew by **75.4%**, and neo-Nazism **64.7%** over the past twelve months.

Child Sexual Exploitation Online

Another alarming issue is the increase in **child sexual abuse and exploitation** online, which rose by **19.3%** after two years of decline, with new records surpassing **52,999** in 2024 to **63,214** in 2025. This number is the second highest in SaferNet's history, trailing only the record from 2022.

Implementation of the Digital ECA

In light of this alarming scenario, Brazil is preparing to reinforce its legislation with the new **Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA)**, which will come into effect in March. This new law establishes stricter requirements for the protection of children and adolescents in digital environments, a necessary update given the evolution of technology since the creation of the original statute in 1990.

The Digital ECA includes five main pillars, such as mandatory age verification and the prohibition of advertising aimed at children. Digital platforms must act proactively to remove harmful content, under penalty of fines that can reach **R$ 50 million**.

Guidelines to Protect Generation Alpha

On Safer Internet Day, **Kaspersky** offers guidelines for parents and guardians regarding the use of AI by the so-called **Generation Alpha**, children born between 2010 and 2025. Experts warn of the need to develop awareness regarding the use of digital assistants, which are not friends but tools that can provide false information.

It is recommended to enable security filters on platforms and verify the authenticity of applications before installation. Fabiano Tricarico from Kaspersky emphasizes: "By actively participating in the child's journey through Artificial Intelligence, you become a trusted guide."

Education and Parental Supervision

Proper protection does not limit itself to prohibiting the use of AI. Awareness is key. According to Tricarico, children will continue to use this technology; thus, guidance is essential. "Children should learn to verify information from different sources and never share personal data."

Additionally, enabling security filters and using parental control tools are important steps. Active parental involvement, through questions about AI use, can transform oversight into a learning opportunity.

This alarming increase in digital crimes and the new legislation reflect contemporary challenges that require ongoing attention and an effective strategy to promote internet safety. Protection initiatives, combined with responsible guidance, will play a fundamental role in safeguarding youth in this increasingly digital environment.