A significant new initiative has been introduced across North Wales, designed to empower residents with the knowledge and tools necessary for the secure and confident adoption of artificial intelligence in their daily lives.

This comprehensive campaign is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by Get Safe Online, in conjunction with North Wales Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin, aiming to demystify AI and provide actionable advice against emerging digital threats.

A primary focus of the campaign is to equip individuals with strategies to identify and avoid AI-related scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Get Safe Online particularly highlights the importance of scrutinizing unsolicited communications for unusual details, such as suspicious email addresses or inconsistent branding.

Expert advice emphasizes the critical need for independent verification of any entity requesting sensitive personal information or money. Furthermore, a core tenet of AI Safety involves protecting personal data by refraining from inputting confidential details into public or unverified AI tools.

Practical Digital Security tips advocated by the campaign include utilizing AI as an assistive tool rather than a complete substitute for human judgment, and maintaining continuous awareness of evolving scam tactics, which are often enabled by advancements in Generative AI Risks.

Andy Dunbobbin, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, underscored the urgency of this initiative, stating that combating Cybercrime Prevention is a paramount priority, especially given AI’s transformative impact on the digital landscape. He encouraged residents to embrace the advice provided to enhance their online safety.

Special Constable Dwain Barnes from North Wales Police’s Cybercrime Team further elaborated on the escalated Online Scams risks posed by Generative AI, specifically mentioning its capacity to create convincing phishing emails, disinformation, and dangerous deepfake media. He warned about voice cloning used for impersonation.

Barnes also stressed the importance of robust privacy settings on social media accounts, advising users to be mindful of content posted online. Scammers can leverage this information to fabricate deepfakes, reinforcing the need for vigilance and strong Digital Security practices.