The club issued a statement online as a warning to others(FILES) This photo illustration created on July 18, 2023, in Washington, DC, shows an advertisement to create AI girls reflected in a public service announcement issued by the FBI regarding malicious actors manipulating photos and videos to create explicit content and sextortion schemes. Her voice tinged with anger, an American mother worried about what the future holds for her teenage daughter, just one of dozens of girls targeted in yet another AI-enabled pornography scandal that has rocked a US school. The controversy that engulfed the Lancaster Country Day School in Pennsylvania last year highlights a new normal for pupils and educators struggling to keep up with a boom in cheap, easily available artificial intelligence tools that have facilitated hyperrealistic deepfakes. (Photo by Stefani REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

A Northern Ireland GAA club has issued a warning to young people after a member of their club was targeted by an AI sextortion blackmail attempt.

TírnanÓg GAA in Portadown released a statement on their social media following the incident and said that the police asked for local sports clubs and schools to alert parents and young people about the incident.

The club says that a young person at their club received sexual images that featured their face on an AI body alongside a threat to hand over money or they would be shared. The young person also received a list of their social media friends.

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However, instead of giving in to the demands, the young person told their parents straight away with the police later being contacted.

In a statement TírnanÓg GAA said: “We wish to make our young people and parents aware of a young person who has been targeted in the community.

“Sexual images were sent using AI with the young person’s face on an AI body with a blackmail threat of sharing the image online if money was not paid. The age of AI meant these images were very realistic. A list of the young person’s friends on social media was also sent to the young person.

“Thankfully the young person targeted was very sensible and immediately alerted their parents. Police have been contacted and have asked for local clubs and schools to alert parents and young people.”

Police have confirmed they received a report regarding online blackmail on Tuesday, January 6, shortly after midnight for an incident that took place at 11.40pm on Monday, January 5.

Neighbourhood Inspector Gary McCullough said: “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.“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

TírnanÓg GAA issued this advice to protect young people and parents:

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 accounts to privateDo not share your telephone number, location or school on your social media accountsOnly accept people you actually know

7. Look after your wellbeing

Take breaks from social media if needed. Talk about how you’re feeling, it really helps.

Parents & Guardians

1. Stay calm and listen

Your child needs reassurance, not panic. Thank them for telling you.

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.

6. Know when to escalate

Contact police if there are:

Threats of violenceSexual content involving a minorBlackmail or coercionHate crime or stalking

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