In a crucial advisory for modern parents, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a warning about the dangers of publicly sharing images of children online, particularly in the context of rising AI-generated abuse imagery. Alongside the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the NCA highlights a worrying trend where children’s images are increasingly being exploited to create disturbing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Alarming Statistics Highlight the Threat
In a stark revelation, the IWF reported identifying over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse in 2025, marking a significant 14% increase from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the need for proactive prevention measures alongside law enforcement efforts, stating, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.”
The staggering rise in these images raises urgent questions about the safety of children in an age where technology can easily be manipulated. In fact, the number of AI-generated videos classified as CSAM surged from just 13 in 2024 to a staggering 3,440 in 2025, underscoring the escalating risks parents face.
Protective Steps for Parents
To combat these alarming trends, the NCA and IWF have unveiled a set of guidelines aimed at empowering parents to safeguard their children. The organisations urge parents to adopt essential strategies to protect their children from potential online threats.
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents are encouraged to adjust privacy controls in social media apps to limit who can view their posts or to consider making their accounts private.
2. **Check Social Media Accounts**: It’s crucial to scrutinise previously shared content for any identifying details that could compromise a child’s safety, such as visible faces or school uniforms.
3. **Revisit Image Consent**: Engaging in conversations with family and schools about the sharing and usage of images can help establish clear boundaries and consent.
The guidance also encourages parents to involve their children in discussions about how and where their images are shared, fostering an environment where children feel empowered to voice their concerns.
Understanding the Risks of Sharenting
The warning from the NCA and IWF comes in the wake of ongoing concerns about “sharenting,” a term coined to describe parents posting images of their children online. While sharing moments with loved ones can seem harmless, experts caution that it can expose children to serious risks, including identity theft, fraud, and privacy violations as they grow older.
The advent of advanced AI tools, capable of manipulating imagery to create misleading representations, further complicates the issue. Kerry Smith, the head of the IWF, articulated the need for awareness, stating, “We don’t want to say don’t share your children’s images with the people you love and trust, but we want everyone to be aware of the potential risks and make informed decisions with the full facts at their disposal.”
The Role of Government in Tackling AI Abuse
In response to the rising threat of AI-related abuses, the UK government is taking proactive measures by banning certain “nudification” apps and amending laws to ensure AI companies implement safeguards against the production of CSAM. These steps reflect an understanding that technology, while beneficial, can also be exploited in harmful ways.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, the safety of our children must remain a top priority. The rise of AI-generated abuse imagery is a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking online. By staying informed and implementing protective measures, parents can create a safer digital environment for their children. This is not just a personal responsibility but a collective call to action to ensure that the joys of sharing moments online do not come at the cost of our children’s safety and well-being.