On Tuesday, Tír-na-nOg GAA warned that “young people are being targeted”.
It followed a report that a young person in the community received a blackmail threat involving AI-generated images, with the sender demanding payment to prevent their release.
“We wish to make our young people and parents aware of a young person who has been targeted in the community,” the club said.
“Sexual images were sent using AI with the young persons face on an AI body with a blackmail threat of sharing the image online if money was not paid.”
The club said that “the age of AI meant these images were very realistic”.
“A list of the young persons friends on social media was also sent to the young person.”
Police was contacted after the young person alerted their parents.
“Thankfully the young person targeted was very sensible and immediately alerted their parents,” the post added.
“Police have been contacted and have asked for local clubs and schools to alert parents and young people.”
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The PSNI said that it received a report on Tuesday of online blackmail which took place at around 11.40pm on Monday, January 5.
Neighbourhood Inspector Gary McCullough added: “Our officers recently spoke to young people on the topic of online blackmail, including scammers and spam, advising them to tell their parents or guardians.
“We take all reports of this nature seriously and investigate them thoroughly.
“Enquiries are ongoing in relation to this recent report and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 10 of 06/01/26.”
The club also issued guidance to parents and young people on how to protect themselves online.
In their advice to young people the club said: “1. It’s not your fault. Being targeted, bullied or harassed online is never your fault, no matter what someone says.
“2. Don’t reply or react. Responding can make it worse. Bullies often want attention or a reaction.
“3. Save the evidence. Take screenshots of messages, comments, usernames, dates and times. Don’t delete them.
“4. Block and report. Use the platform’s block and report tools straight away.
“5. Tell a trusted adult. This could be a parent, guardian, teacher, coach, or youth worker. You don’t have to deal with it alone.
“6. Protect your privacy. Set your accounts to private. Do not share your telephone number, location or school on your social media accounts. Only accept people you actually know.”
The club urged young people to look after their wellbeing by taking “breaks from social media if needed”.
They also advised parents to “stay calm and listen” if their child is targeted and issued the following guidance for them.
“Your child needs reassurance, not panic. Thank them for telling you,” the advice continued.
“2. Collect evidence. Screenshots are crucial, especially if schools, clubs, or the police need to be involved.
“3. Report on the platform. Most platforms take harassment of minors seriously.
“4. Adjust privacy and safety settings together. This keeps your child involved and empowered, rather than feeling punished.
“5. Inform the school or club. If the child knows the person offline, schools and organisations can often intervene.”
Finally the club urged parents to contact police if there were threats of violence, sexual content involving a minor, blackmail or coercion or a hate crime or stalking.
The PSNI also issued online safety advice in relation to online blackmail.
“Don’t get lured or pushed into compromising situations,” a spokesperson said.
“Trust your gut, and end uncomfortable situations immediately. Always remember that what goes online may well stay online.
“Be wary about whom you invite or accept invitations from on social networking sites. Do not accept friendship requests from complete strangers.
A Portadown GAA club has issued a warning to parents about AI generated “sexual images”.
News Catch Up – Wednesday 7 January
“Update the privacy settings on your social networking accounts so only people you know can view your account. Do not include any sensitive or private information in profiles.”
For further information and details of organisations who can help, visit www.psni.police.uk/sextortion