Man made child abuse images using artificial intelligence app

A telecoms worker from Paisley created images of child sex abuse using an artificial intelligence app.

Risto Bergman, 42, who is originally from Finland, admitted to making pictures showing young girls being abused.

The images were created using a legitimate artificial intelligence app and were so realistic that they could be taken for authentic photographs.

Bergman had used sexually descriptive search terms in the direction of the app’s function.

AI then generated the distressing images by drawing upon a “digital library”: hundreds of pictures of real child abuse which had been previously shared online by paedophiles.

Images discovered on a computer storage unit found in Bergman’s Paisley flat included some described as Category A – depicting the most extreme type of child sexual abuse.

At Paisley Sheriff Court last month, Bergman, who now lives in Argyll and Bute, admitted making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children.

On Monday, May 19, he was given an 18-month Community Payback Order during which time he will be closely monitored and supervised. His name was added to the Sex Offenders Register.

Procurator Fiscal for North Strathclyde, David Bernard, said Bergman had created illegal material that both exploited children and perpetuated abuse.

He said: “This is by no means a victimless crime. Bergman’s depraved actions effectively encouraged those who abuse children to continue their activities.

“Artificial Intelligence apps draw upon online images of real children being subjected to sexual abuse. Behind every AI-generated ‘pseudo-photograph’ of abuse are real-life child victims.

“Bergman made himself a participant in that process.

“Our prosecutors will use every tool we have to prevent children being exploited or exposed to danger.

“The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service welcomes this conviction. We would encourage anyone with information on similar offending to come forward, report it and help us seek justice.”