By Kimberly Damian,
Bob Hope High School
Recently, I was given a chance to interview Analia Bermundez about her proposal that was presented at the conference, which was named AI Driven Cyber Guardians: An Approach to Disrupting Online Predatory Behavior.
The main idea behind her proposal was to use artificial intelligence as a digital guardian that could detect online predatory behavior before any harm was caused. She wanted artificial intelligence to be a quiet guardian in the background of online platforms that could detect any harmful behavior online.
When asked about the specific problem that her proposal was trying to solve, she stated that her main idea was to solve the specific problem of predatory behavior online, which not only includes children but also includes adults, specifically in the state of Texas.
She stated that there are many online platforms that could be dangerous if there are predators targeting young users who do not know the harm that could be caused to them. It is not just a technology issue but a safety issue that includes real people.
I then proceeded to ask her why this topic is so significant to her. She answered that this topic is significant to her because of its importance to the safety and happiness of children. She believes that children should be able to utilize online platforms appropriately without fear of pedophiles and exploitation.
The online world should be a place where kids feel as comfortable as a classroom and a playground, rather than a hunting ground for pedophiles. She also gave me a very inspiring quote that reflects her motivations for this topic: “I am passionate about my topic because I hate to see grown adults make advancements and inappropriate remarks towards children who don’t know better.” This quote shows me that this topic is very personal to her and that she cares a great deal about this topic.I then proceeded to ask her about the main goal of her proposal, and she answered that her main goal is to obtain a significant decrease in online grooming and behavior, as well as to obtain a significant increase in online evidence to help law enforcement agencies prosecute offenders.
“I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT MY TOPIC BECAUSE I HATE TO SEE GROWN ADULTS MAKE ADVANCEMENTS AND APPROPRIATE REMARKS TO CHILDREN WHO DONT KNOW BETTER.”
Another crucial component of Analia’s proposal is how the AI system will actually function. She explained to me that the AI system will be built to identify patterns within conversations that might indicate grooming behavior, inappropriate language, manipulation techniques commonly used by predators, etc.
Instead of waiting for a reported case after harm is already done, the AI system will identify these signs early on to prevent harm from occurring in the first place. She believes that prevention is always better than reaction.
Another thing I was curious to know from Analia was how her proposal will aid law enforcement agencies. She told me that one of the major components of her proposal is to provide a better evidence base for law enforcement agencies to clearly identify perpetrators and protect victims from harm. She also told me that the intention is not to invade people’s privacy but to hold perpetrators accountable for their behavior on online platforms.
Analia also mentioned the significance of public awareness. She thinks that technology alone cannot solve this problem. In addition to this, parents, teachers, and children should be made aware of this problem.This is also a part of her proposal, to spread awareness among people in Texas about the warning signs of grooming and to talk about this problem openly. In conclusion, through this interview with Analia Bermundez, I learned the significance of her proposal and realized that her topic is very meaningful and serious. It is clear that her topic is not only relevant to current times but also forward thinking and offers a solution to a very significant problem in our society today. It is a solution that combines technology and safety and is very committed to creating a safe online environment for children to learn and play.
In conclusion, talking to Analia Bermundez allowed me to understand how technology could be turned into a shield instead of a tool. This is because, for Bermundez, her proposal is not just about artificial intelligence, but about responsibility, protection, and being able to stand up for those who are unable to protect themselves online.
Bermundez’s clear objectives, planning, and passion for her proposal show that she is dedicated to reducing online predatory behaviors, making online spaces safer for kids and adults alike, and protecting Texans online.