In a striking warning, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has advised parents against publicly sharing images of their children online, highlighting the alarming rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Collaborating with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the NCA has raised concerns over the misuse of children’s images for creating disturbingly realistic content, making it imperative for parents to take protective measures.
A Growing Threat
The NCA’s caution comes in light of distressing statistics released by the IWF, which revealed that over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting child sexual abuse were identified in 2025—a staggering 14% increase from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the dual focus on tackling offenders and the importance of preventive measures. He stated, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.”
In a bid to help parents navigate these dangers, the NCA and IWF have unveiled new guidance detailing proactive steps to enhance online safety for children.
Essential Guidelines for Parents
The guidance encourages parents to take three critical actions:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents are urged to utilise privacy controls available in most social media platforms. This includes adjusting settings to limit who can view posts and potentially making accounts private.
2. **Check Shared Content**: It’s crucial for parents to monitor previously shared content to ensure that identifiable information—such as children’s faces or their school uniforms—is not visible. If necessary, images should be deleted to prevent exposure.
3. **Revisit Image Consent**: Parents should engage with friends, family, and institutions like schools or clubs about the images being taken or used of their children. This includes reviewing any signed consent forms to ensure that children’s rights and privacy are respected.
Moreover, it’s beneficial for parents to involve children in conversations about how their images are shared. This collaborative approach can empower children to express discomfort or refusal when it comes to their privacy.
The Risks of Sharenting
The NCA and IWF’s recommendations come amidst escalating concerns surrounding “sharenting,” the practice of parents sharing photos and videos of their children on social media. Since the term was added to the Collins English Dictionary in 2016, experts have warned that sharenting can lead to significant privacy risks, including identity theft and fraud.
The emergence of advanced AI tools capable of manipulating images to create misleading representations has heightened these concerns. Kerry Smith, head of the IWF, noted, “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.”
Understanding the AI Landscape
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, it brings both benefits and risks. The guidance from the NCA and IWF aims to raise awareness of the potential for misuse, particularly concerning children. The stark reality is that AI can be exploited to create harmful content, making parental vigilance more crucial than ever.
Why it Matters
The conversation surrounding children’s online safety is more than just a trend; it is a necessary discourse in an age where technology evolves at an unprecedented rate. As the threat of AI misuse looms larger, the responsibility falls on parents to safeguard their children’s digital presence. By taking proactive measures and staying informed, families can navigate the complexities of the online world while protecting the most vulnerable among us. Awareness and action are key to ensuring that children can enjoy the benefits of technology without falling prey to its darker sides.
