(FORT WAYNE) - Indiana law enforcement is reporting a sharp increase in cases involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material, creating new challenges for investigators.
Prosecutors say reports of this type of content surged from about 4,700 cases in 2023 to more than one million in just the first nine months of 2025.
Officials say the rapid rise is straining already limited resources, as investigators work to identify suspects and track the spread of illegal material created using artificial intelligence.
Law enforcement leaders say the technology is making cases more complex, especially when it comes to determining sources and holding offenders accountable.
Prosecutors are calling for additional funding and resources to handle the growing number of cases, along with stronger cooperation from technology companies.
They say tech firms could play a role in identifying and removing illegal content and assisting with investigations.
Authorities warn the surge highlights how quickly artificial intelligence is changing the landscape of criminal activity involving child exploitation.