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Essex Police joins forces with BT and EE to tackle misuse of artificial intelligence (AI)
Essex Police today announces a new partnership with BT and EE to give simple, practical advice to young people, parents, guardians and teachers to help them avoid harmful AI-generated content online.
EE’s LearnSmart platform will host helpful advice for families giving them the confidence to use AI safely, as well as the tools to take action against the growing risks of deepfake technology. EE stores nationwide already offer dedicated in-store online safety appointments for parents and young people, with the 30-minute sessions providing personalised support and guidance from an EE Guide on smartphone safety, supported by content developed in partnership with online safety experts Internet Matters. From February, however, as part of the collaboration with Essex Police, EE stores in Essex will also offer appointments dedicated to educating families on the use of AI.
This is the first time a UK police force has worked directly with a global technology firm to advise parents about how to use new AI technology safely, from the moment they buy their device.
It comes as a direct response to the growing risks posed by deep-fake AI technology, which can – in the wrong hands – be used to create convincing imagery based on photos of young people.
Called ‘Fake or Real? Know the Deal’ Essex Police have created a campaign to promote the new safety partnership. The campaign aims to help young people and parents know what’s safe and what’s not when it comes to using AI apps.
It promotes the fun and educational things you can do with AI but also the risks of disinformation, invasion of privacy and what to do if someone uses your image in a way that’s harmful to you.
The website also provides guidance on what to do if your child becomes the victim of a deepfake and what action to take to get it removed and ensure it is reported to the police.
Essex Police Detective Inspector Emma Portfleet who leads the force’s Police Online Investigation Team (POLIT), said: “As a force we are committed to keeping children safe, both online and in the real world. The problem is these worlds are merging so fast and it’s so hard for people to know what’s fake and what’s real. We have seen the rise in the use of AI apps for so many positive reasons, but these apps also have the potential for immeasurable harm.
“We have started to see AI apps used to manipulate or create sexualised images. If they are of someone under 18 years, then that’s illegal; which means not only prosecution for the offenders, but also lifelong harm to victims. That’s why Essex Police is getting on the front foot and working with children, parents, teachers and the responsible tech firms to help us make the online world safer.
“Fake or Real? Know the Deal is just one way to get ahead of the problem; Essex Police detectives will always investigate crime, but we would far rather stop it happening in the first place.”
Asif Aziz OBE, Retail Director at EE said: “We are proud to be joining forces with Essex Police on this campaign. As the UK’s best network for families, we understand that growing up in an online world can be difficult and that while there are many ways technology can be used for good, there are also risks, especially for young people. Through this campaign and our in-store online safety appointments, we hope to help young people and their parents better navigate the online world with confidence and positivity.”
BT has a long-term relationship with Essex Police, providing not only connectivity and technological solutions, but also working together to tackle real-life issues and threats. Teams from BT and Essex Police built this initiative following an innovative partnership event, which examined the key risks around AI and deepfake.
Sian Penny, Public Safety & Justice Director at BT Business, said: “BT has a long-standing partnership with Essex Police and a shared commitment to protecting communities both in the real world and online. While technology and connectivity offer incredible opportunities, they also introduce new risks, particularly for younger people.
That’s why we’re proud to support this campaign, which gives clear, practical guidance on how to recognise, avoid, and report deepfake-related threats. Together with Essex Police and other forces, we’ll continue working to ensure people feel informed and confident in navigating the digital world safely."
DI Portfleet added: “We want parents and guardians to feel empowered to start having open conversations with their children about the dangers of AI.
“Report an image you are worried about to us, keep the original without sharing or taking a screenshot of it as this could be illegal. Deepfakes may be fake, but their effects are very real.”
To learn more about the campaign, discover how to use AI technology safely, get advice on steps to take if your child becomes a victim, and find out how to remove harmful images from the internet, visit: www.eephonesmart.co.uk/fake-or-real.