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In a bid to combat the alarming rise of AI-generated sexual abuse material, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) have issued new recommendations urging parents to reconsider how they share images of their children online. With advances in technology enabling predators to exploit publicly available images, the agencies stress the importance of protecting children’s privacy and safety in an increasingly digital world.
The Growing Threat of AI Exploitation
Parents often share pictures of their children on social media without a second thought. However, the NCA and IWF are keen to raise awareness about the risks associated with this seemingly innocent practice. The agencies caution that many parents may not realise that criminals can utilise these images for nefarious purposes without needing direct access to the children.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasised the need for vigilance: “We encourage parents and carers to take a few simple steps today.” Among the key recommendations is the suggestion to keep social media accounts private and to share photos only within trusted circles, such as “close friends” groups.
Recommendations for Safer Online Practices
The guidance outlines a three-pronged approach for parents to enhance their children’s online safety:
1. **Review Privacy Settings**: Parents should ensure that their social media accounts have stringent privacy settings, limiting who can view images of their children.
2. **Audit Existing Content**: It is crucial to conduct a thorough review of past posts to identify any images that may be vulnerable to misuse. This includes assessing whether identifiable features, such as school uniforms or faces, can be seen.
3. **Open Conversations**: Engaging in discussions with children about consent and the implications of sharing images online is essential. The NCA encourages families to establish clear guidelines about what is acceptable to share.
Lorna Sinclair, a child sexual abuse education manager at the NCA, noted that many parents are unaware of the technological advancements that allow for the creation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from their children’s images. “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.
The Alarming Statistics
The IWF reported a staggering 14% increase in AI-generated CSAM in the past year, with 8,029 instances of such material identified in 2025 alone. Furthermore, the IWF has been alerted to cases where under-18s have been blackmailed after their images were manipulated by AI into explicit content. One particularly disturbing case involved a 15-year-old girl whose image was digitally altered to create a fake nude, showcasing the real dangers children face online.
The rise in these incidents has prompted calls for schools to re-evaluate the images they post on their websites and social media platforms. The early warning working group (EWWG), which includes members from both the NCA and IWF, has recommended that schools remove identifiable images of students to protect them from potential exploitation.
Caution is Key
Dan Sexton, chief technology officer at the IWF, expressed his discomfort in advising parents against sharing images of their children publicly, but he believes it is a necessary caution. “I would be very cautious [about putting pictures of children online] because there is no protection,” he remarked. The guidance advocates for parents to consider the implications of sharing images and to engage in proactive discussions about privacy.
Videos accompanying the guidance highlight everyday scenarios where parents are reminded of the risks associated with sharing photos online, reinforcing the need for awareness and careful consideration.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to evolve, so too do the methods of those who wish to exploit it. The guidance from the NCA and IWF serves as a crucial reminder that parents must adapt their social media habits to protect their children. By fostering awareness and implementing safer online practices, families can play an essential role in combating the growing threat of AI-generated exploitation. Protecting children in today’s digital landscape is not just a parental responsibility; it is a societal imperative.
