**
In a stark warning for families, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has advised parents against publicly posting images of their children online, citing a troubling rise in the use of artificial intelligence to generate abusive content. This cautionary message comes alongside the Internet Watch Foundation’s (IWF) report of a significant increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over the past year, highlighting an urgent need for heightened awareness and protective measures.
Rising Threats from AI Manipulation
The IWF has reported the identification of over 8,000 instances of AI-generated imagery depicting realistic child sexual abuse in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. The alarming escalation in such content was underscored by NCA’s senior manager Tim Wright, who stated, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.” This growing trend poses serious implications for the safety of children online, prompting the agencies to issue new guidance aimed at helping parents safeguard their children from potential exploitation.
Practical Steps for Parents
In collaboration with the IWF, the NCA has outlined essential steps parents can take to enhance their children’s online security. This guidance emphasises the importance of managing privacy settings across social media platforms. Parents are encouraged to create “close friends” groups for sharing images only among trusted individuals, thereby limiting exposure.
The guidance also advises a thorough review of content already shared online. Parents should ensure that any images do not reveal identifying details such as a child’s face, school uniform, or other potentially compromising information. Furthermore, it is vital for parents to discuss consent with friends and family regarding any images taken of their children, which can also help instil a sense of agency in young ones about their personal images.
The Dangers of ‘Sharenting’
The rise of ‘sharenting’—the practice of parents sharing excessive images of their children on social media—has long been a concern among child safety advocates. Since the term was added to the Collins English Dictionary in 2016, experts have highlighted the myriad risks associated with this behaviour, including identity theft and privacy infringements as children grow older. However, the advent of sophisticated AI tools that can manipulate photos to create suggestive content has intensified these fears.
Kerry Smith, head of the IWF, articulated the delicate balance parents must navigate, 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.” The reality of these risks is not abstract; they are tangible threats that warrant serious consideration.
Government Response and Regulatory Measures
In response to these escalating threats, the UK government has initiated measures to tackle the abuse of AI in creating harmful content. This includes banning certain “nudification” applications and adjusting legislation to ensure that AI companies implement robust safeguards against the production of CSAM. These regulatory efforts are critical in establishing a safer digital environment for children, as they seek to mitigate the risks posed by reckless sharing and malicious exploitation.
Why it Matters
The implications of this guidance extend far beyond individual parental choices; they reflect a broader societal challenge in navigating the digital landscape. As technology continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for protecting the most vulnerable among us. The rise in AI-generated abuse imagery underscores an urgent call for vigilance, education, and proactive measures. For parents, understanding the potential risks associated with sharing their children’s images is not merely a precaution but an essential responsibility in safeguarding their future. The ongoing dialogue about digital safety, privacy, and the ethical use of technology is vital as we collectively strive to create a safer online world for children.