A Wisconsin man is in federal custody for allegedly producing sexually explicit AI-generated images of minors and sending similar AI-generated child pornography to a 15-year-old boy.
Steven Anderegg, 42, is accused of using a text-to-image generative artificial intelligence model to create thousands of realistic images of nude or partially clothed minors engaged in sexual acts, which he then stored on his computer, the Justice Department announced Monday.
"As alleged, Steven Anderegg used AI to produce thousands of illicit images of prepubescent minors, and even sent sexually explicit AI-generated images to a minor," said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
"Today's announcement sends a clear message: using AI to produce sexually explicit depictions of children is illegal, and the Justice Department will not hesitate to hold accountable those who possess, produce or distribute AI-generated child sexual abuse material," Argentieri added.
