In a critical warning for the digital age, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) are advising parents against publicly sharing images of their children online. This guidance comes in light of alarming statistics that reveal a surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over recent years. The increasing misuse of technology poses a significant threat to the safety and privacy of young ones, prompting urgent action and awareness.
The Alarming Rise of AI-Generated Abuse Imagery
The IWF reported a staggering rise in AI-generated images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, with over 8,000 such materials identified in 2025 alone. This figure represents a worrying 14% increase from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the importance of prevention alongside law enforcement efforts: “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.”
In an unsettling revelation, analysts at the IWF identified just 13 AI-generated videos of CSAM in 2024, but this number skyrocketed to an astonishing 3,440 in 2025. The rapid escalation of these incidents highlights the urgent need for parents to take proactive measures to safeguard their children in this increasingly digital landscape.
Essential Steps for Parents
To combat these rising threats, the NCA and IWF have collaborated to provide essential guidance for parents. Their advice focuses on practical steps that can mitigate risks associated with sharing children’s images online.
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents should take advantage of privacy controls available on most social media platforms, adjusting settings to limit the visibility of their posts or opting for private accounts.
2. **Scrutinise Shared Content**: It’s crucial to revisit previously shared images, ensuring that no identifiable details—such as the child’s face or school uniform—are visible. This proactive approach can help eliminate potential exposure to online predators.
3. **Reassess Image Consent**: Parents are encouraged to discuss the sharing of their child’s images with friends, family, and institutions like schools and clubs. Understanding consent policies can help parents make informed decisions about what is shared online.
Moreover, involving children in conversations about their images can empower them to express discomfort and say no when necessary.
The Dangers of Sharenting
This guidance comes amidst ongoing concerns regarding “sharenting,” a term that has gained traction in recent years. Coined to describe the act of parents sharing their children’s photos on social media, sharenting has raised alarms among child safety experts. The potential risks—ranging from identity theft to privacy violations—are compounded by the capabilities of AI technology, which can manipulate images in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Kerry Smith, the CEO of the IWF, remarked, “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. These are not hypothetical threats; they are real.”
Government Action Against AI Abuse
In response to these threats, the UK government has taken steps to address the dangers posed by AI. Banning “nudification” applications and modifying laws to ensure that AI companies implement safeguards against the production of CSAM are part of a broader effort to protect children, particularly young girls, from exploitation.
By prioritising both prevention and law enforcement, authorities aim to create a safer online environment for the next generation.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of those who seek to exploit it for harmful purposes. The rise of AI-generated abuse material underscores a pressing need for vigilant and informed parenting in the digital age. By taking proactive steps to safeguard their children’s images, parents can play a crucial role in protecting their privacy and ensuring their safety in an increasingly interconnected world. Awareness and education are key to combating these real threats, enabling families to enjoy the benefits of technology while minimising its risks.
