In a significant move aimed at safeguarding children from potential exploitation, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued new guidance advising parents against publicly sharing images of their children online. This recommendation comes in response to an alarming increase in AI-generated sexual abuse material, which has highlighted vulnerabilities in the way families manage their online presence.
A Call to Action for Parents
The NCA’s guidance emphasizes the need for parents and guardians to reconsider their social media habits. They advise making accounts private and sharing images within restricted “close friends” groups to mitigate risks. Importantly, the agencies are not dictating behaviour but encouraging awareness of the growing dangers associated with AI technology.
“Parents should take some straightforward steps today to protect their children,” stated Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA. The proposed measures include auditing existing social media accounts for images that could be misused and revisiting previously signed consent agreements with schools or sports clubs, which may no longer align with the current technological landscape.
Understanding the Threat
The dangers posed by advancements in artificial intelligence are concerning. Many parents remain unaware that publicly shared photographs can be manipulated by predators to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) without direct contact with the victim. Lorna Sinclair, a child sexual abuse education manager at the NCA, noted, “The average parent does not post a picture of a child online thinking it might be scraped to be turned into CSAM.”
Statistics from the IWF reveal a staggering 14% rise in AI-generated CSAM last year, with 8,029 instances identified in 2025 alone. This increase highlights a pressing need for vigilance. The IWF has also reported instances of minors being blackmailed after their images were altered using AI technology, with one troubling case involving a 15-year-old girl whose likeness was used to create a convincing fake nude.
Proactive Measures for Online Safety
The guidance released encourages open discussions between parents and children regarding the sharing of images online. It suggests creating private groups for sharing family photos and conducting thorough audits of social media settings. Parents are urged to check whether their children’s images appear online and whether they are comfortable with their visibility.
The IWF’s chief technology officer, Dan Sexton, expressed his discomfort with the need to advise parents against sharing children’s images, stating, “I would be very cautious about putting pictures of children online because there is no protection.” This sentiment reflects a broader consensus that, in the current digital climate, caution is essential.
Videos accompanying the guidance depict everyday situations, such as children at play or arriving at school, and serve as a reminder of the potential risks associated with sharing these moments. The NCA and IWF advocate for a culture of consent, encouraging families to say “no” to sharing images if they feel uncomfortable.
Reviewing Consent and Privacy Agreements
As part of the recommended measures, parents should re-evaluate consent forms previously signed for the use of their child’s image at schools or extracurricular activities. The guidance encourages families to consider withdrawing consent if they no longer feel comfortable with how their child’s images are being used.
Tom Dyson, head of marketing at the IWF, reassured parents that they have the power to request the removal of photographs from websites or social media if necessary. This step is vital in maintaining control over their child’s digital footprint.
Why it Matters
The rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material poses a severe threat to the safety and well-being of children and highlights the urgent need for parents to reassess their online sharing habits. As technology evolves, so do the methods employed by predators, making it critical for families to adopt proactive strategies to safeguard their children. By understanding the risks and implementing the recommended precautions, parents can play a vital role in creating a safer digital environment for their children.