In a stark warning, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has advised parents against publicly sharing images of their children online, as the rise of AI-generated abuse material poses a significant threat. The NCA, in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), has highlighted a troubling trend: the increasing use of children’s images to create disturbing content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
The Alarming Statistics
In 2025 alone, the IWF identified over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. This surge in malicious content has raised alarm bells among child safety experts and law enforcement. “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital,” said Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA.
The statistics are chilling. In 2024, the IWF reported just 13 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse, but that figure skyrocketed to a staggering 3,440 in 2025. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance from parents and guardians.
Guidance for Parents
To combat these threats, the NCA and IWF have released new guidelines aimed at helping parents understand and mitigate the risks associated with sharing their children’s images online. The guidance emphasises key steps that parents can take to enhance their children’s safety in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
First and foremost, parents are encouraged to review their privacy settings across social media platforms. Most apps provide privacy controls that allow users to restrict who can see their posts, or even make their accounts private. This simple step can significantly reduce the visibility of shared images.
Additionally, parents should conduct a thorough review of their social media accounts. It’s essential to ensure that no identifying details, such as children’s faces or school uniforms, are visible in shared content. If any concerning images are found, parents should consider removing them immediately.
Finally, revisiting consent is crucial. Parents should have open discussions with friends, family, and institutions like schools about the images being taken of their children and how those images are used. Including children in these conversations can empower them to voice their preferences regarding their own images, fostering a sense of agency in an online world.
The Dangers of Sharenting
These warnings come in the wake of growing concerns about “sharenting,” a term coined to describe parents sharing images or videos of their children on social media. Since its addition to the Collins English Dictionary in 2016, experts have cautioned against the potential risks of this practice. Sharing images can open children up to identity theft, fraud, and privacy invasions as they grow older.
The emergence of advanced AI tools that can manipulate images further complicates the issue. These tools can create disturbing content by altering images to depict nudity or inappropriate scenarios, heightening the risks associated with sharenting. “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,” stated IWF chief Kerry Smith. “These are not hypothetical threats; they are real.”
Conclusion
As technology continues to advance, the responsibility falls on parents to safeguard their children’s digital footprint. The NCA and IWF’s guidance serves as a vital resource in navigating the complexities of online sharing in a world where AI is increasingly exploited for nefarious purposes.
Why it Matters
The implications of this warning extend far beyond individual families; they touch on societal issues regarding child safety in the digital age. As technology evolves, so too must our understanding of its potential risks. By taking proactive steps to protect children’s images online, parents can play a crucial role in combating the misuse of technology, ensuring that children grow up in a safer digital environment. It’s not just about protecting privacy; it’s about safeguarding the innocence and future of the next generation.
