The NSPCC has highlighted the disturbing ease with which predators exploit children in virtual reality (VR) worlds, following an in-depth investigation supported by the National Crime Agency (NCA). The study revealed that inadequate age verification and regulation have allowed offenders to craft scenarios, like VR strip clubs, to exploit children.
The immersive nature of VR, paired with avatar use, often desensitizes both the child and the perpetrator, facilitating abuse. An individual, convicted of abusing children through VR, described the ease of accessing servers that cater to such criminal activities using VR headsets.
The rise of advanced technologies, including “phantom” or “simulated” touch, which replicate physical sensations, further entices abusers. James Babbage from the NCA voiced concerns about the technology, especially “haptics” – tactile sensations in VR that mirror real-life touch.
The Online CSA Covert Intelligence Team (OCCIT) stated, “Virtual reality and the metaverse present significant challenges for law enforcement and the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals.”
While only 6% of households possess VR, its popularity among teenagers in the US suggests future demand in the UK. There have already been instances of UK children being groomed, notably through VR environments.
The report remarked, “VR’s unique blend of physical presence, online anonymity, and often sexualized ambience makes it a haven for offenders.” Some platforms also discreetly set lower age limits, and the kid-friendly appearance of many VR games can mislead parents. The absence of rigorous identity checks in VR allows offenders to operate without fear of repercussions.
Highlighting the severity, the study cited a user review that labeled a major platform as a hotbed for predators. The NSPCC warned of the potential manipulation by sexual predators using seemingly innocent avatars, like the reported case of an offender posing as a cartoonish ginger cat.
Richard Collard of the NSPCC stressed the importance of integrating emerging technologies into the Online Safety Bill and advocated for a collective effort from educators, parents, policymakers, and tech industries to ensure child safety.
Alibaba’s latest AI video generation model, Wan 2.1, was meant to be a breakthrough in open-source technology. However, within a day of its release, it was adopted by AI porn creators, sparking concerns over its potential for misuse. While open AI modelsdemocratize access to powerful tools, they also raise ethical issues, particularly in the creation of non-consensual content. The rapid adoption of Wan 2.1 highlights this ongoing challenge.
Alibaba, the Chinese tech giant, recently released its new AI video generation model, Wan 2.1, making it freely accessible to those with the necessary hardware and expertise. While this open-source approach empowers developers and researchers, it also comes with a dark side. Within just 24 hours, the AI porn community seized the opportunity to produce and share dozens of explicit videos using the new software.
Even more concerning is the reaction from a niche online community dedicated to creating nonconsensual AI-generated intimate media of real people. Users on Telegram and similar platforms quickly celebrated Wan 2.1’s capabilities, praising its ability to handle complex movements and enhance the quality of AI-generated adult content. One user, referring to Tencent’s Hunyuan AI model (another tool popular in these circles), noted, “Hunyuan was released just in December, and now we have an even better text-to-video model.”
This is the ongoing dilemma of open AI models. On one hand, they offer groundbreaking possibilities, allowing developers to experiment, innovate, and improve AI technology. On the other, they can be easily exploited to create unethical and harmful content, including deepfake pornography.
Rapid Adoption in AI Porn Communities
The speed at which Wan 2.1 was adapted for explicit content was staggering. The first modifications of the model appeared almost immediately on Civitai, a site known for hosting AI-generated models. By the time initial reports surfaced, multiple variations of Wan 2.1 had already been downloaded hundreds of times. Users on Civitai enthusiastically shared AI-generated pornographic videos, many of which were created using these modified models.
Civitai’s policies prohibit the sharing of nonconsensual AI-generated pornography, but loopholes remain. While the site does not host nonconsensual content directly, it allows users to download models that can be used elsewhere for illicit purposes. Previous investigations have shown that once these models are accessible, there is little stopping users from misusing them in private or unregulated online spaces.
The Bigger Issue: Ethics of Open AI Models
The release of open-source AI models like Wan 2.1 is a double-edged sword. Open models promote innovation, allowing developers to refine AI technology for legitimate purposes such as filmmaking, animation, and content creation. However, as seen with Wan 2.1, early adopters often push the boundaries of ethical use, leading to misuse in inappropriate or even illegal ways.
Despite mounting concerns, Alibaba has remained silent on the issue. The company has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the misuse of its AI model. This raises questions about the responsibilities of tech giants when it comes to the unintended consequences of their AI releases. Should companies impose stricter regulations on how their AI models are used? Or is it the responsibility of platforms and communities to enforce ethical guidelines?
What Comes Next?
As AI-generated content becomes increasingly sophisticated, the challenge of regulating its use grows more complex. Open-source AI models are powerful tools, but they must be released with safeguards in place to prevent misuse. Without proper oversight, the line between innovation and exploitation will continue to blur, leaving room for ethical dilemmas and legal concerns.
For now, Wan 2.1 stands as yet another example of how quickly AI technology can be both a breakthrough and a battleground. The question remains—how will companies like Alibaba address these issues moving forward?
SexLikeReal (SLR) has launched SLR For Women, its first dedicated VR porn vertical offering a female-first perspective. This initiative utilizes the platform’s chroma suit passthrough technology to create immersive experiences tailored for female viewers.
A New Approach to VR Adult Content
SLR For Women debuted with a VR porn scene featuring Danny Steele and Alicia Williams, filmed using chroma passthrough technology. The female performer wears a chroma suit, allowing only her genitals to remain visible, maintaining a first-person perspective experience.
While female-perspective VR porn exists across various platforms, SLR’s entry is notable due to its technological advancements and strong user engagement. The company is inviting female users to submit scripts, with the best ideas set to be produced as POV VR scenes by its top production team.
Future Expansion & User Involvement
Currently, the SLR For Women section features just one scene, posted over three weeks ago. Although no rush of female subscribers is expected yet, SLR has indicated plans for more female-focused content and encourages user feedback to shape its future releases.
SLR has previously introduced AI-powered passthrough technology, allowing non-chroma-shot videos to be converted into passthrough VR, as well as the world’s first AR cam rooms for live streaming. Whether this new venture will receive continued investment remains to be seen, but the launch signals an industry shift towards more inclusive VR experiences.
Kiiroo Unveils PleasureDrive: The Future of Interactive Pleasure Machines
Amsterdam, 20 February 2025 – Kiiroo, a global leader in interactive pleasure technology, is thrilled to announce the launch of PleasureDrive, a compact yet powerful automatic pleasure machine designed for solo and partnered play.
Born from a collaboration with HiSmith – the leaders in automatic pleasure machines – PleasureDrive features a 70W motor delivering up to 240 thrusts per minute, and combines cutting-edge innovation, smart connectivity, and customizable sensations for an unparalleled experience.
“With the PleasureDrive, we’re taking intimacy to the next level. This device is not just about power—it’s about control, versatility, and creating a deeply personal experience that adapts to every user’s needs, whether they’re enjoying solo play, playing on live-cam or connecting with partners from across the world,” said Toon Timmermans, CEO of Kiiroo. He continued, “This launch marks an exciting step forward for Kiiroo, and we’ can’t wait to see PleasureDrive empower our users around the world.”
Designed with premium stainless steel and aluminum, the PleasureDrive is compact, sturdy, and whisper-quiet (30–60 dB), ensuring discretion and stability during even the most intense sessions. The KlicLok® attachment system makes switching accessories effortless, while adjustable speed and thrust settings offer a fully tailored experience.
Using the FeelConnect App users can control the PleasureDrive remotely, which is perfect for long-distance couples. As a webcam performer, sync with FeelPerformer or FeelHubX for an immersive tip-based cam experience.
PleasureDrive by Kiiroo is available for pre-order now for $549.00. For more details, contact [email protected] or visit kiiroo.com
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