elpais.com
Spain's 017 Cybersecurity Helpline Sees Surge in Preventative Consultations
In 2024, Spain's 017 cybersecurity helpline received 98,546 consultations, with 54% being preventative and 46% reactive, highlighting a growing public awareness of online risks, while simultaneously noting a rise in online fraud, harassment, and gender-based violence.
- How has the nature of online threats evolved, and what role does AI play in these changes?
- The helpline notes a recent surge (within the last year) in cases involving AI-manipulated images, used for both sexual extortion and to create harmful content from innocent pictures. This development expands the range of potential victims and tactics employed by perpetrators.
- What are the most pressing cybersecurity concerns currently facing Spanish citizens, based on the helpline's data?
- The 017 helpline in Spain reports a rise in online fraud, harassment, extortion, and gender-based violence. A significant concern involves the increasing use of AI-manipulated images, often targeting minors, to create non-consensual sexual content or initiate extortion.
- What preventative measures and support systems are in place to address the growing problem of online sexual violence and exploitation, particularly concerning minors?
- The helpline offers technical and psychosocial guidance, including support from psychologists. Preventative measures emphasize responsible online behavior, protecting privacy settings, and reporting abuse. However, the helpline also stresses that even with precautions, online content is difficult to fully erase once posted and that minors are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of awareness and supervision.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of cybersecurity issues, highlighting the increasing awareness among citizens while also emphasizing the growing concerns regarding online fraud, harassment, and violence. The journalist uses the statistics provided by the Incibe expert to support both positive trends (increased preventive consultations) and negative ones (rise in online violence). There's no apparent manipulative sequencing or prioritization to favor one side.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and objective. The journalist uses quotes from the expert, Angela Garcia Valdes, to convey information. While there's an emotional element to the subject matter (online abuse), the reporting maintains a professional and informative tone. There are no apparent loaded terms or charged language used to manipulate the reader.
Bias by Omission
The article might benefit from including data on the demographics of those seeking help from the 017 helpline, and more detail on the types of support provided beyond technical and psychosocial guidance. While the limitations of scope are acknowledged regarding the specific forums mentioned, a broader discussion of the platforms most frequently used for online abuse could be beneficial. It's also unclear what percentage of reported incidents relate to specific legislation or legal action. This information would provide a more complete picture.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the work of INCIBE in combating cybercrimes such as fraud, harassment, extortion, and gender-based violence online. Their efforts in providing support, guidance, and collaborating with other organizations like the 016 helpline directly contribute to upholding justice and strengthening institutions to protect citizens from online harm. The focus on prevention, investigation, and prosecution of these crimes is crucial for achieving SDG 16.