In a significant move to safeguard children from emerging threats, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued urgent guidance advising parents against posting images of their children publicly online. This recommendation comes in response to alarming increases in AI-generated sexual abuse material, which pose a growing risk to young individuals. The agencies stress that many parents remain largely unaware of the potential dangers lurking in the digital landscape.
The Dangers of Oversharing
The NCA and IWF’s guidance highlights a disturbing trend: the misuse of publicly available images by paedophiles and criminal networks. As technology advances, the potential for exploitation has grown exponentially. Lorna Sinclair, a manager at the NCA focusing on child sexual abuse education, articulated the gravity of the situation, saying, “The average parent or carer does not post a picture of a child online thinking that it might be scraped to be turned into CSAM.” She emphasised that countless caregivers are oblivious to the existence of this threat.
To combat this issue, the agencies recommend that parents transition their social media accounts to private settings or limit image sharing to closely trusted circles. This approach aims to create a safer online environment for children by reducing exposure to potential predators.
Taking Proactive Steps
The newly released guidance outlines three key actions for parents. First, they are encouraged to thoroughly check and update their privacy settings across all social media platforms. Second, they should review the visibility of any images shared, ensuring that only trusted individuals have access. Third, open discussions regarding consent for sharing images should become a norm within families, fostering a culture of awareness and caution.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, urged parents to take immediate action, stating, “We encourage parents and carers to take a few simple steps today.” The agencies are not dictating how parents should behave online but rather raising awareness about the threats that may be overlooked in everyday digital interactions.
The Alarming Statistics
The urgency of this guidance is underscored by the data released by the IWF, which reported a staggering 14% rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material in the past year alone. In 2025, the IWF identified over 8,000 instances of AI-manipulated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse material. This alarming trend includes reports of minors being blackmailed after their images were manipulated using AI, showcasing a disturbing intersection of technology and exploitation.
The IWF has also launched a confidential service called Report Remove, aimed at helping minors remove explicit images taken without their consent. Instances of manipulated images emerging from apparently innocent selfies—where AI converts them into graphic pornography—highlight the urgent need for protective measures.
Recommendations for Schools and Institutions
In light of these threats, the IWF and NCA have recommended that educational institutions take precautionary measures, including the removal of identifiable images of students from their websites and social media accounts. This recommendation follows reports of blackmailers scraping images from school sites, converting them into abusive material, and threatening to publish the results. The early warning working group (EWWG), comprising members from both organisations, is advocating for a more rigorous approach to safeguarding children in educational settings.
Dan Sexton, Chief Technology Officer at the IWF, expressed his discomfort in advising parents against sharing images but insisted on the necessity of caution. “I would be very cautious about putting pictures of children online because there is no protection,” he stated, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the child protection community.
Why it Matters
As digital landscapes continue to evolve, the need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to protect children from online exploitation has never been more critical. This guidance serves as a wake-up call for parents, urging them to reconsider their online sharing habits and engage in conversations about consent and safety. By taking these steps, families can contribute to a safer environment, shielding children from the dangers posed by technology while fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility.
