In a critical move to enhance child safety, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued urgent guidance advising parents against sharing images of their children on public platforms. This recommendation comes in response to a disturbing rise in AI-generated sexual abuse material, which often exploits publicly available images without consent.
The Growing Threat of AI Misuse
Recent reports indicate a 14% surge in AI-created child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over the past year, with the IWF identifying over 8,000 such images and videos in 2025 alone. The NCA and IWF are concerned that many parents remain unaware of the extent to which paedophiles and criminal networks exploit social media to create this harmful content.
Lorna Sinclair, a child sexual abuse education manager at the NCA, emphasised that most parents do not consider the potential misuse of their children’s images when posting online. “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 stated. This lack of awareness can leave children vulnerable to exploitation.
Practical Steps for Parents
To combat these risks, the NCA and IWF recommend a series of proactive measures for parents. These include reviewing privacy settings on social media accounts, ensuring that only trusted individuals can view children’s images, and engaging in open conversations about the permission to publish photos online.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, urged families to audit their existing online presence. “We encourage parents and carers to take a few simple steps today,” he said, advocating for a thorough review of both current and past images shared online.
Additionally, parents are advised to revisit any consent agreements signed with schools or organisations, particularly those made prior to advancements in AI technology that allow for sophisticated image manipulation.
Protecting Children from Online Exploitation
The guidance is particularly relevant in light of alarming incidents where children have been targeted by blackmailers. Some victims have reported being threatened after their images were manipulated by AI to create explicit content, a crime that has now become alarmingly common.
Dan Sexton, the IWF’s chief technology officer, expressed unease about advising parents against sharing their children’s photos but acknowledged the necessity of such caution. “I would be very cautious about putting pictures of children online because there is no protection,” he remarked.
The IWF has also highlighted the importance of maintaining private social media settings for children, encouraging parents to ensure their under-18s keep their accounts secure.
Encouraging Parental Vigilance
Videos released alongside the guidance depict fictional situations where parents are reminded of the risks associated with sharing images of their children in everyday settings. These scenarios aim to foster awareness and encourage families to think critically about their online habits.
The NCA’s guidance also stresses the need for ongoing conversations about the use of children’s images, both online and offline. Parents are encouraged to discuss with family and friends any posts that feature their children, especially if those images could be deemed sensitive.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by those who seek to exploit children. By taking these preventive measures, parents can significantly reduce the risk of their children becoming victims of online abuse. This guidance not only highlights a crucial aspect of child safety in the digital age but also serves as a call to action for families to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their children against emerging threats. The implications of these recommendations extend beyond individual households, shaping a safer online environment for future generations.
