In a significant move to enhance child safety, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have released new recommendations urging parents to be cautious about sharing images of their children online. The alarming rise in AI-generated sexual abuse material has prompted this guidance, which aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with posting children’s photographs on public platforms.
Rising Threats in the Digital Age
The NCA and IWF highlight that many parents remain unaware of the potential dangers posed by paedophiles and criminal networks that exploit social media. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, criminals can now create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using publicly available images, often without ever needing to engage directly with victims.
“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 lack of awareness could leave children vulnerable to exploitation.
In 2025, the IWF reported a staggering 14% increase in AI-generated CSAM incidents, identifying over 8,000 instances of such material. This surge underscores the urgent need for parents to reassess their online sharing practices.
Recommendations for Safer Sharing
The guidance encourages parents to take immediate steps to protect their children’s online presence. Key recommendations include:
1. **Audit Privacy Settings:** Parents should review their social media accounts and adjust privacy settings to limit who can view images of their children.
2. **Create Close Friends Groups:** Instead of sharing photos publicly, parents are advised to restrict visibility to a select group of close friends and family.
3. **Discuss Consent Openly:** The NCA and IWF stress the importance of having conversations with children about their comfort levels concerning photo sharing, ensuring that consent is clearly communicated.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised that these actions could significantly enhance children’s safety online.
Addressing Past Concerns
The guidance also calls for parents to revisit any consent agreements previously signed with schools or sports clubs, especially those made before the advent of advanced AI technologies that can manipulate images. Parents should be vigilant regarding images that may have been shared without their explicit consent and consider withdrawing such permissions if necessary.
Dan Sexton, the IWF’s chief technology officer, expressed his discomfort in advising parents against posting images of their children, stating, “I would be very cautious [about putting pictures of children online] because there is no protection.” His comments reflect the gravity of the situation and the necessity for families to rethink their online practices.
Engaging Children in the Conversation
The NCA and IWF are also encouraging children to voice their feelings about sharing images online. Videos released alongside the guidance feature scenarios showing everyday moments, such as playing sports or standing outside a school, reminding both parents and children about the importance of maintaining privacy.
The NSPCC reinforces this message, recommending that young people keep their social media accounts set to private. This added layer of protection can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Why it Matters
As technology evolves, so too do the methods of those who seek to harm children. The rise of AI-generated exploitative content presents a new challenge for parents and guardians. By adhering to the recommendations from the NCA and IWF, families can create a safer digital environment. Awareness and proactive measures are crucial in protecting children from potential threats, ensuring their online experiences are secure and positive. In an age where digital footprints are inevitable, safeguarding our children’s images is not just an option; it is a necessity.
