A cybersecurity expert has warned that adverts promoting AI video generators capable of creating explicit or sexually suggestive content are becoming more visible on social media, raising concerns about online safety and children’s exposure to harmful material.
Speaking on CapeTalk, cybersecurity expert Boikokobetso Makhetloane said automated moderation systems can allow some content to slip through, while recommendation algorithms can quickly amplify what users see.
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A cybersecurity expert has warned that adverts promoting AI video generators capable of creating explicit or sexually suggestive content are becoming more visible on social media, raising concerns about online safety and children’s exposure to harmful material.
Speaking on CapeTalk, cybersecurity expert Boikokobetso Makhetloane said automated moderation systems can allow some content to slip through, while recommendation algorithms can quickly amplify what users see.
AI moderation can miss harmful content
Makhetloane said his research found that some content appears to bypass automated moderation because of how it is labelled when uploaded.
According to him, explicit material can sometimes be uploaded under unrelated categories, such as makeup or modelling, allowing it to avoid detection by AI systems responsible for reviewing content.
He said this meant users could encounter sensitive material despite platforms having policies aimed at limiting such content.
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Algorithms can quickly recommend more explicit content
Makhetloane said recommendation algorithms also play a significant role in spreading this type of content.
He explained that if someone spends several seconds viewing a particular post or video, the platform may interpret that as interest and begin recommending similar material.
He warned that this becomes especially concerning when children are using social media, as they could be exposed to increasingly explicit content through automated recommendations.
Parents urged to monitor children’s online activity
Makhetloane encouraged parents to take a more active role in monitoring their children’s social media use.
He suggested parents regularly check search histories and recently viewed videos, or use tools that allow them to monitor activity while still respecting their children’s privacy.
He said keeping track of what children are seeing online was an important step in protecting them from harmful content.
