Artificial Intelligence Tools Assist in Capturing Elusive Child Trafficker, Says Producer of Sound of Freedom

Editor’s Note: This article addresses issues of child sexual abuse and trafficking.

Child predators face increased scrutiny as artificial intelligence tools are deployed by organizations worldwide to apprehend sex traffickers and rescue vulnerable children. Paul Hutchinson, the executive producer of “Sound of Freedom,” shared insights into these developments.

Hutchinson has conducted over 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries. In an interview with Fox News Digital, he revealed his collaboration with skilled hackers who operate in the shadows, referred to as “black hats,” to track down child predators.

These exceptional hackers often engage in questionable activities for noble causes, as Hutchinson explained. Some have successfully exposed wrongdoings in different sectors, such as the notorious Ashley Madison scandal.

Thanks to this unique alliance, hackers developed specialized AI software capable of identifying potential instances of child pornography across the dark web. This hidden part of the internet is often assumed to be a safe haven for criminals.

Hutchinson elaborated on the software’s capabilities, highlighting its ability to search for specific files, including explicit videos involving children. The technology identifies unique identifier numbers tied to each computer, which remain visible even amid encrypted connections, such as those provided by a VPN.

Remarkably, in just one month, this software detected 800,000 different individuals who had downloaded child pornography, demonstrating a significant societal issue according to Hutchinson.

The alarming statistics reflect a growing addiction to pornography among consumers. Hutchinson noted that this addiction can escalate, leading individuals down a dark path toward more severe and abusive content.

With escalating numbers, an alarming report from the U.S. Department of State revealed increased victim identification and convictions in human trafficking cases, with 133,948 victims recognized and 7,115 convictions recorded in 2023 alone.

In a concerning trend, U.S. attorneys referred 1,912 individuals for human trafficking offenses in the fiscal year 2022. This figure marked a 26% increase from 2012, highlighting the escalating nature of the crisis.

One black hat hacker worked tirelessly to locate an elusive child trafficker pursued by federal agencies for ten years. This individual reportedly exploited over one hundred children.

According to Hutchinson, the trafficker boasted about his ability to coax children into compromising situations quickly, drawing the attention of wealthy individuals. Despite years of pursuit by the FBI, he managed to evade capture.

Using advanced hacking techniques, the hacker discovered that the suspect was operating from Costa Rica and later Nicaragua. By meticulously analyzing file-sharing activities and identifying names of associates, Hutchinson and his team managed to trace the IP addresses of suspects.

Through undercover conversations with individuals at a nearby sports bar, Hutchinson secured a connection to the child trafficker, a breakthrough that had eluded authorities for a decade.

AI technology is not only playing a role in tracking traffic but also contributing to rehabilitation efforts. The Child Liberation Foundation, an anti-trafficking and survivor rehabilitation nonprofit founded by Hutchinson in 2017, utilizes AI in its healing programs.

Hutchinson described how children who have experienced trauma can interact with animated versions of their favorite characters during therapy sessions. These sessions are informed by extensive research in child psychology and are designed to help young victims process their experiences in a safe environment.

The emergence of AI-generated content poses challenges for law enforcement, but Hutchinson maintains hope. He believes that technology can be harnessed for good, stating that the vast majority of people strive to protect children.

“We are committed to winning this battle against child trafficking,” Hutchinson proclaimed. “There is so much good happening, and we can leverage technology to safeguard vulnerable children. Together, we will succeed in this fight.”

For anyone affected or who knows someone who might need help, the National Human Trafficking Hotline remains available at 1-888-373-7888.