In light of rising threats posed by artificial intelligence, UK parents are being urged to reconsider their approach to sharing images of their children online. The National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have released guidance highlighting the dangers associated with posting children’s photos publicly, stressing the need for increased awareness and caution in the digital age.
A Growing Threat
The NCA and IWF’s recommendations come at a time when the proliferation of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has surged, with a reported 14% increase over the past year. In 2025 alone, the IWF documented over 8,000 instances of AI-created explicit content. This alarming trend has prompted officials to speak out about the risks that parents may inadvertently expose their children to by sharing seemingly innocent images on social media.
“The average parent or carer does not post a picture of a child online thinking that it might be scraped to be turned into CSAM,” noted Lorna Sinclair, a child sexual abuse education manager at the NCA. This statement underscores a widespread ignorance about how easily images can be misused in the digital realm.
Essential Steps for Parents
The guidance provided by the NCA and IWF suggests several proactive measures for safeguarding children’s privacy online. Parents are encouraged to audit their social media accounts, ensuring that old images that could be exploited are not publicly accessible. Additionally, they are advised to adjust privacy settings, limiting who can view images of their children and to engage in open conversations about image consent with friends, family, and institutions like schools and sports clubs.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, encourages parents to take immediate action: “We encourage parents and carers to take a few simple steps today.” This includes reviewing who has access to their children’s images and discussing the implications of sharing such photos online.
The Role of Education and Awareness
In an effort to reinforce these messages, the NCA and IWF have released videos demonstrating everyday scenarios where parents capture photos of their children. These educational materials aim to remind caregivers of the inherent risks involved in sharing these moments online. The guidance stresses the importance of saying “no” when it comes to sharing images if there is any discomfort associated with it.
Dan Sexton, chief technology officer at the IWF, expressed his unease about advising parents against posting children’s photos publicly, stating, “I would be very cautious [about putting pictures of children online] because there is no protection.” His comments reflect the uncomfortable reality many parents face in an increasingly digital world where privacy is often compromised.
A Call for Caution
The recent guidance has also been prompted by troubling incidents where blackmailers have targeted school websites, scraping images of children and using AI to create abusive material. In response, the Early Warning Working Group, which includes members from both the NCA and IWF, has suggested that schools should remove identifiable images of pupils from their online platforms.
As part of the wider conversation, the NSPCC has echoed these sentiments, advocating for under-18s to keep their social media accounts private to mitigate risks associated with image sharing.
Why it Matters
The implications of these recommendations extend beyond individual families; they highlight a pressing need for society to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital safety. As technology advances, so too must our understanding of its risks, particularly when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable. With rising incidents of AI-generated exploitation, it is crucial for parents to take informed steps to safeguard their children, fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility in the digital age. This guidance is not just about safety; it is about empowering families to navigate online spaces with confidence and caution.
