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In a stark warning, the National Crime Agency (NCA), in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), has advised parents against publicly sharing images of their children online. This guidance comes in light of alarming statistics revealing a significant increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), which poses a grave threat to child safety in the digital age.
Escalating Threat of AI-Generated Abuse Imagery
The NCA and IWF have raised concerns about the misuse of children’s images, particularly with the proliferation of artificial intelligence technologies that can fabricate realistic abuse content. In 2025, the IWF reported identifying over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, marking a troubling 14% rise from the previous year.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the necessity of proactive measures: “While we and our policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.” As part of their ongoing efforts, the two organisations have released updated guidance aimed at equipping parents with the knowledge to protect their children in an increasingly perilous online environment.
Guidelines for Safeguarding Children Online
To mitigate risks, the NCA and IWF recommend that parents take several precautionary steps:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents should utilise the privacy controls available on social media platforms to restrict the visibility of posts, potentially limiting access to a select group of trusted friends and family.
2. **Audit Social Media Accounts**: It’s crucial for parents to scrutinise previously shared content, ensuring that identifiable details like children’s faces or school uniforms are not visible or, if necessary, deleting such images.
3. **Revisit Image Consent**: Engaging in conversations with friends and family about the sharing of images of their children is essential. Parents should also review any consent forms signed with schools or clubs regarding the use of children’s images.
The guidance highlights the importance of involving children in discussions about their digital footprint, helping them understand the implications of sharing their images and empowering them to assert their boundaries.
The Growing Concern of ‘Sharenting’
The term ‘sharenting’, which has gained traction since its inclusion in the Collins English Dictionary in 2016, refers to the practice of parents sharing content featuring their children on social media. Experts have long warned that this trend can lead to serious risks, including identity theft and privacy violations, as children grow older. The emergence of sophisticated AI tools that can manipulate images has compounded these issues, transforming what was once a relatively benign activity into a potential source of significant harm.
Kerry Smith, the head of the IWF, acknowledged the delicate balance parents must navigate: “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. These are not hypothetical threats; they are real.”
The Role of Government in Addressing AI Abuse
In response to the escalating risks associated with AI-generated abuse, the UK government has taken steps to combat these threats, particularly focusing on protecting vulnerable young girls. Measures include the prohibition of so-called ‘nudification’ applications and legislative adjustments aimed at ensuring AI companies implement safeguards to prevent the generation of CSAM.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the risks associated with sharing personal information online. The rise of AI-generated imagery represents a significant challenge not just for parents, but for society as a whole. By understanding the implications of sharenting and taking proactive measures to safeguard their children’s digital identities, parents can make informed choices that prioritise their children’s safety in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The stakes are high, and the need for vigilance has never been more critical.
