In an increasingly digital world, child protection has evolved into one of the most pressing challenges faced by governments, law enforcement agencies, and civil society. In Sri Lanka, the growing incidence of cybercrime targeting children, coupled with new threats posed by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, has brought the issue of child safety to the forefront.

At the heart of this effort in Sri Lanka is Mr. Prabath Amila Perera, a recognized cybersecurity researcher and digital forensics expert who has been instrumental in addressing child safety challenges in the digital age. His work, along with a growing body of cybersecurity professionals, highlights the urgent need for a robust framework to protect Sri Lankan children from the dangers posed by cybercrime and artificial intelligence-driven exploitation.

The Rising Threat of Cybercrime Targeting Children

Prabath Amila

Cybercrime is no longer confined to traditional hacking or financial fraud; it has expanded to include a wide array of illegal activities, many of which disproportionately affect children. With the widespread use of mobile devices and internet access, children are increasingly exposed to online risks such as cyberbullying, child exploitation, and exposure to harmful content. The disturbing reality is that the internet has become a tool for criminals to exploit vulnerable individuals, and children are often their primary targets.

In Sri Lanka, the rapid adoption of digital technology has created a fertile ground for such crimes. The growing prevalence of internet-enabled devices among children, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, has increased their susceptibility to online predators. This trend is reflected globally, with cyber predators using sophisticated methods to lure children into harmful situations, from online grooming to the distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

AI and Automation: A New Frontier of Concern

While cybercrime itself presents significant dangers, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has introduced new layers of complexity to child protection. AI-powered technologies, such as deepfakes, can be used to generate hyper-realistic images or videos that could be weaponized for blackmail, exploitation, or abuse. In the context of child protection, AI can exacerbate issues related to the creation and dissemination of CSAM.

Automation and AI are also enabling criminal actors to operate at a scale never seen before. Automated bots, for instance, can scan social media platforms for vulnerable targets, creating vast databases of personal information that can be used for malicious purposes. Moreover, AI algorithms can be used to manipulate children’s behavior online, making them more susceptible to exploitation or harmful content.

In addition to facilitating child exploitation, AI and automation have also made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to detect and combat such crimes. With the rapid growth of encrypted communications and the dark web, traditional investigative methods often fall short. Thus, while technology has undoubtedly improved our lives, it has also introduced new threats that need urgent attention.

Addressing the Crisis: A Call to Action for Sri Lanka

Recognizing these dangers, Mr. Amila Perera and his peers are advocating for a comprehensive approach to child protection that includes legislative, technological, and educational measures. To combat cybercrime and AI-driven exploitation, Sri Lanka must adopt a multi-faceted strategy that encompasses the following:

Strengthening Laws and Regulations: While Sri Lanka has made progress in child protection laws, there is still a need to introduce stronger legislation that addresses the evolving nature of cybercrime and AI-fueled threats. Laws related to CSAM, child exploitation, and cyberbullying must be updated to reflect modern-day challenges, and enforcement mechanisms must be empowered with adequate resources.

Improving Cybersecurity Infrastructure: In this digital age, it is essential to have strong cybersecurity defenses in place. Public and private organizations, particularly those involved in child protection, need to invest in cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to identify and mitigate online threats. AI can also be used positively to develop tools that detect harmful content, block abusive behavior, and flag suspicious activity in real-time.

Raising Public Awareness: It is critical to educate parents, teachers, and children about the dangers of the internet. Schools must incorporate cyber literacy into their curriculum, and communities must promote safe online practices. Campaigns that educate the public about emerging AI threats, such as deepfakes and the misuse of automation, will be key to creating a well-informed population capable of protecting itself against new digital risks.

Collaborating with Global Partners: Cybercrime is a transnational issue, and no country can fight it alone. Sri Lanka must strengthen its collaboration with international cybersecurity agencies, child protection organizations, and tech companies. By sharing information, technology, and best practices, Sri Lanka can bolster its defenses against cybercriminals who operate across borders.

The Role of AI in Protecting Children

While AI presents new dangers, it can also be part of the solution. Mr. Amila Perera emphasizes that AI, when used ethically, can be a powerful tool in protecting children from harm. AI-based algorithms can be developed to monitor online behavior, detect inappropriate content, and provide early warnings about potential risks. AI can also assist law enforcement agencies in identifying and prosecuting cybercriminals by analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time.

Tech companies must play a key role in this process by implementing child safety features into their platforms. Automated content filtering, real-time monitoring of interactions, and AI-driven moderation can help make the digital environment safer for children. Additionally, AI tools that detect deepfakes and manipulated content can play a vital role in protecting children from AI-generated exploitation.

A Collaborative Effort for a Safer Future

Child protection in the digital age is not solely the responsibility of government authorities or law enforcement; it is a collective effort that involves educators, parents, tech companies, and cybersecurity experts. In Sri Lanka, Mr. Amila Perera’s leadership and advocacy for child safety in the digital world set an example for how nations can address these challenges effectively.

As Sri Lanka continues to navigate the complexities of a rapidly digitizing world, it must prioritize child safety by integrating AI-driven solutions, enforcing stricter cyber laws, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Only through collective action can we ensure that the next generation of children grows up in a digital environment free from harm, abuse, and exploitation.

Prarthana Kodikara

University of Kelaniya