PODCAST RELEASE: The Real and Present Danger of AI, Chatbots and Online Gangs

In this episode of "Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes"-- Donna talks with internet safety expert Rick Lane and retired ICAC commander John Pizzuro about how AI, chatbots, and online gangs are putting kids in danger. They explain how AI “digital companions” can mirror a child’s emotions, build unhealthy attachments, and even coach vulnerable teens toward self-harm, while online gangs like “764” use AI, deepfakes, and social media to groom and extort children. 

Our guests explain why AI is so hard to detect, how predators no longer need to be tech-savvy, and why strong safety-by-design laws, age verification, and accountability for tech companies are urgently needed

Related Resources:

• See EIE's Press Statement "EIE Warns Parents About 764, Online Gang Targeting Children for Exploitation

• View EIE's "AI Assistants for Children and Teens" Guide here!

Watch a Preview of the Podcast:

...  “Think about what the Teddy Ruxpin can do today. The eyes are cameras. The mouth is a microphone. They have AI run through WiFi in the back and working off of super computers… imagine a toy now that can talk to the child that knows all its moves, can answer questions late at night, can take a down some very dark paths.”

--Rick Lane, Tech Policy Expert and Internet Safety Advocate

... "15 years ago, predominantly online, predation was sexual in nature. Now it has moved to financial -- the ability to use AI. because now I don't need your images anymore. I could just make an AI image. I can make that image naked. I could use a generator and then say I gave that image.”

--John Pizzuro, Ret. ICAC Commander

By the Numbers:

 72% of teens have used AI companions at least once, with over half (52%) using them regularly. 

Common Sense Media (July 2025)

'Internet Safety with Donna Rice Hughes' is available on our podcast page or your preferred platform. Hosted by Donna Rice Hughes, President and CEO of Enough Is Enough®, this podcast provides parents and guardians with up-to-date information, tips, and expert insights on topics like online predators, sex trafficking, pornography, social media, online gaming, Big Tech accountability, and child protection legislation."

*** If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to give us a high rating wherever you access podcasts!

Please remember to share this information with your family and

friends using the social icons here!

We Can't Keep Children & Families Safe Online Without You!

Enough Is Enough® is a national non-partisan, non-profit organization who has led the fight to make the Internet safer for children and families since 1994. EIE's efforts are focused on combating internet p*rnography, child sexual abuse material, sexual predation, sex trafficking and cyberbullying by incorporating a four-pronged prevention strategy with shared responsibilities between the public, corporate America, government and faith community.

STAY CONNECTED