In a significant development in the fight against child exploitation, a Wisconsin man has been apprehended and charged for his involvement in the production and dissemination of sexually explicit AI-generated images of minors. The arrest demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting children from the ever-evolving dangers posed by new technologies.

The accused, identified as 42-year-old Steven Anderegg from Holmen, allegedly used a text-to-image generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) model called Stable Diffusion to create thousands of disturbingly realistic depictions of prepubescent children. These explicit images often featured minors engaging in sexual acts or posing provocatively.

According to court documents, evidence recovered from Anderegg's electronic devices revealed that he generated these images using specific, sexually explicit text prompts related to minors, which he subsequently stored on his computer. Shockingly, it was also discovered that he had sent sexually explicit AI-generated images to a minor via direct messages on Instagram.

The case came to the attention of law enforcement through a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) after Instagram reported Anderegg's account for distributing these illicit images. Subsequently, a federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin returned an indictment on May 15, charging Anderegg with producing, distributing, possessing obscene visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and transferring obscene material to a minor under the age of 16.

Authorities have emphasized that, despite the use of artificial intelligence, such material is no less illegal or harmful than traditional child sexual abuse material. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco underscored the Justice Department's unwavering dedication to holding individuals accountable for exploiting AI technologies to create obscene and abusive images of children.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the case, which is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin.

If convicted on all four counts alleged in the indictment, Anderegg could face a maximum statutory penalty of 70 years in prison, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. This significant punishment reflects the severity of the crimes committed and serves as a deterrent to others involved in similar activities.

This arrest and subsequent prosecution are part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched by the Justice Department in 2006, aimed at combatting child sexual exploitation and abuse. By coordinating resources at all levels of government, Project Safe Childhood seeks to identify, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children online while also rescuing and supporting victims.

As society grapples with the challenges presented by new technologies, it is essential to remain vigilant in the protection of our most vulnerable members. The swift action taken against Steven Anderegg underscores the determination of law enforcement agencies and serves as a reminder that those who exploit AI-created child sexual abuse images will be brought to justice.

For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.