14 January 2024 , 21:16
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James Bulger’s mum has won a landmark victory by persuading Google to tighten rules on images of dead children.
Denise Fergus demanded action after TikTok allowed users to post sick AI-generated content of her murdered two-year-old son James.
The videos were also accessible on Google, which is the world’s biggest internet search engine.
Bosses at the giant tech firm have pledged that from tomorrow they will rid such images from its platforms, including YouTube.
The creepy videos, which appeared last year and were highlighted by the Mirror, included an avatar of James talking about his murder.
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Denise, 54, said: “I am so relieved about the implementation of new rules on AI-generated content featuring deceased minors.
Killers Jon Venables and Robert Thompson (PA)"Last year, I was horrified to discover individuals were creating and posting AI-generated videos of my beloved James.
“The distress this caused me and my family was immeasurable. It was a violation of our grief.”
She added: “I want to express my gratitude to the Daily Mirror for their commitment to raising awareness and supporting efforts to put an end to the distressing behaviour of creating AI-generated content featuring deceased minors.”
After the offending videos emerged in August, Denise demanded that TikTok remove them, which it eventually did.
Google has now updated its harassment and cyber bullying policies, vowing to turn the screw on people creating these kind of sick AI-generated images.
The new rules say this type of insensitive content will be immediately deleted, and users will be given a final warning.
A second offence within three months will lead to termination of the offending person’s account.
James Bulger was kidnapped and killed in 1993 (PA)US company Google said: “On January 16, we’ll begin striking content that realistically simulates deceased minors or victims of deadly or well-documented major violent events describing their death or violence experienced.
“We may terminate your channel or account for repeated violations of the community guidelines or terms of service.
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“We may also terminate your channel or account after a single case of severe abuse, or when the channel is dedicated to a policy violation.”
Denise said: “I commend Google for acknowledging the gravity of this issue.
“It is a crucial move towards protecting the dignity and memories of those who are no longer with us.
“While I welcome the new rules, I urge Google to ensure their effectiveness through rigorous enforcement and continuous monitoring... It is my hope that these rules will bring relief to grieving families and prevent any further distress.
“I also encourage ongoing collaboration between tech companies, advocacy groups, and affected families to refine and improve these rules continually.”
Jon Venables and Robert Thompson – both 10 at the time – abducted James from a shopping centre in Bootle, Merseyside, in 1993 before murdering him.
The killers were convicted months later. They were released on licence after serving eight years. They were also given new identities.
Venables has been recalled to jail twice for indecent images of children. Last month the Parole Board rejected his bid to be freed.