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The National Crime Agency (NCA) has issued a stark warning to parents regarding the dangers of sharing images of their children online, amidst escalating incidents of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), the NCA highlighted a troubling surge in the use of children’s images for the creation of exploitative content, urging families to adopt stringent privacy measures.
Alarming Statistics on AI Abuse
In a disconcerting report, the IWF revealed that over 8,000 AI-generated images and videos depicting realistic child sexual abuse were detected in 2025, marking a 14% rise compared to 2024. This surge reflects a broader trend in the misuse of advanced technologies, which have increasingly become tools for nefarious purposes. “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital,” emphasised Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA.
The IWF’s analysis further illustrated the gravity of the situation, reporting a staggering increase in the number of AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse—from just 13 in 2024 to 3,440 in 2025. Such imagery is classified as CSAM within the UK, prompting the government to take action against these emerging threats, particularly aimed at protecting vulnerable girls from exploitation.
Essential Guidance for Parents
In response to these alarming trends, the NCA and the IWF have released a series of guidelines designed to empower parents in safeguarding their children’s online presence. The initiative aims to educate families about the specific risks associated with CSAM and the significant role that AI plays in its proliferation.
The guidance outlines three primary actions for parents:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Utilise the privacy controls available in most social media apps to limit who can see posts or consider making accounts private.
2. **Check Social Media Accounts**: Scrutinise previously shared content for identifying details that could compromise a child’s safety, such as visible school uniforms or personal locations, and remove any potentially harmful images.
3. **Revisit Image Consent**: Engage with friends, family, and institutions related to the child—like schools or clubs—to discuss the use of images and review any signed consent forms.
Moreover, the guidance encourages parents to involve their children in conversations about image sharing, fostering an environment where children feel empowered to voice their concerns.
The Growing Issue of ‘Sharenting’
The conversation surrounding the risks of ‘sharenting’—the practice of parents posting images of their children on social media—has gained momentum in recent years. Recognised as a term in the Collins English Dictionary since 2016, it encapsulates a behaviour that experts argue can expose children to significant risks, including identity theft and privacy violations.
The advent of sophisticated AI tools that can manipulate images adds a new layer of concern. Kerry Smith, chief executive of the IWF, stated, “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.” This sentiment underscores the need for vigilance in a digital landscape where harmful threats are not merely theoretical—they are very real.
Why it Matters
The implications of this growing threat are profound. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods employed by those intent on exploiting the most vulnerable. The NCA and IWF’s proactive measures serve as a crucial reminder for parents to navigate the complexities of social media with caution. In an age where the line between sharing joyous moments and safeguarding privacy is increasingly blurred, informed decision-making is essential to protect children from exploitation and abuse.
