EE has announced that 11 of its stores across Essex will now offer 'Stay Safe with AI' appointments.

The "first-of-their-kind" sessions, which are carried out by trained in-store guides, are designed to help young people, their families, and teachers use AI safely when on their devices.

The appointments have been developed in partnership with Essex police, as well as with support from online safety experts Internet Matters.

EE first formed a partnership with Essex Police in November last year when it announced that its LearnSmart Platform would host AI advice for families, as well as tools to "take action" against the growing risks of deepfake technology.

The technology retailer and network provider's stores already offer dedicated in-store online safety appointments for parents and young people nationwide, with the 30-minute sessions providing personalised support and guidance from an EE Guide on smartphone safety.

The scheme marks the first time a UK police force has worked directly with a global technology firm to advise parents about how to use new AI technology safely, from the moment they buy their device.

Essex Police says that the partnership responds to the growing risks posed by deepfake AI technology, which it warns can be used to create convincing imagery based on photos of young people.

The move forms part of the EE's wider commitment to helping families across the UK manage their digital wellbeing through personalised support.

“Technology is such a big part of everyday life, whether work, school, staying in touch with loved ones or discovering new interests,” said Asif Aziz, retail director and clinical advisory board member at BT Group, which owns EE. “But while there are many ways tech can be used for good, there are also very real risks, especially for young people.”

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