As concerns mount regarding the misuse of children’s images, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a stark warning to parents about the dangers of publicly sharing photographs of their children online. Collaborating with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the NCA highlighted a significant uptick in the use of AI-generated content to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM), indicating an urgent need for protective measures.
The Alarming Rise of AI-Generated Abuse Material
In a startling report, the IWF revealed that over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse were discovered in 2025, representing a 14% increase from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the importance of prevention, stating, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.” This alarming trend underscores the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and child safety concerns.
The IWF’s findings illustrate a dramatic escalation in the creation of these disturbing materials, with the number of identified AI-generated videos rising from 13 in 2024 to an astonishing 3,440 in 2025. In the UK, such imagery is classified as CSAM and is subject to stringent legal repercussions. This surge has prompted the government to implement measures including a ban on “nudification” apps and adjustments to existing laws aimed at safeguarding children from AI-related threats.
Guidance for Parents: Steps to Enhance Online Safety
In response to these findings, the NCA and IWF have rolled out new guidelines aimed at equipping parents with the knowledge needed to protect their children in an increasingly digital world. The guidance encourages parents to take specific actions to mitigate risks, including:
1. **Reviewing Privacy Settings**: Parents are urged to utilise privacy controls available on most social media platforms to limit the visibility of their posts. Making accounts private can significantly reduce the risk of exposure.
2. **Monitoring Shared Content**: It is essential for parents to regularly assess the content shared by family and friends to ensure that identifiable details, such as the child’s face or school uniform, are not visible in publicly posted images.
3. **Discussing Image Consent**: Engaging children in conversations about the sharing of their images is vital. Parents should also check in with schools and clubs regarding the use of their child’s likeness in photos or videos.
The guidance reassures parents that they are not alone in their concerns. “Hearing about this as a parent or carer can feel alarming, but you are not alone,” the guidance states, encouraging proactive engagement in safeguarding children’s privacy.
The Phenomenon of Sharenting: Risks and Realities
The concept of “sharenting,” which refers to the practice of parents sharing images and videos of their children online, has been a contentious topic for several years. Experts have long cautioned that this trend can lead to significant risks, including identity theft and privacy invasions as children grow.
With the advent of sophisticated AI tools capable of manipulating images, the stakes have never been higher. Kerry Smith, IWF’s chief executive, 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 an informed decision with the full facts at their disposal.” The reality is that these threats are not merely theoretical; they are very much present.
Why it Matters
The increasing sophistication of AI technologies poses a dual challenge: while these tools can enhance connectivity and creativity, they also harbour significant risks, particularly for the most vulnerable. As parents navigate the complexities of sharing their children’s lives online, the need for vigilance has never been clearer. By educating themselves and implementing precautionary measures, parents can play a crucial role in safeguarding their children against the darker aspects of digital life. The call to action from the NCA and IWF is not just a warning; it’s an urgent plea for a collective effort to protect future generations from exploitation in an age where technology intersects perilously with privacy.
