Parents are advised against publicly sharing their children's images online due to rising concerns about AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), according to a warning from the National Crime Agency (NCA) on July 3, 2026. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported over 8,000 instances of such AI-generated images and videos in 2025, marking a 14% increase from the previous year.
Understanding the Threat of AI-Generated Abuse Imagery
The NCA's warning highlights the alarming rise in AI misuse for creating CSAM. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasized, "While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital." The partnership between the NCA and IWF aims to educate parents on the risks associated with sharing images of their children online.
In 2024, the IWF identified 13 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse, which surged to 3,440 in 2025. This increase underscores the urgent need for parents to review their online sharing practices.
Steps Parents Can Take to Protect Their Children
The NCA and IWF have outlined essential steps parents can implement to safeguard their children:
- Review Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy controls in social media apps to limit visibility of posts or make accounts private.
- Check Social Media Accounts: Regularly review shared content to ensure no identifying details, such as a child's face or school uniform, are visible.
- Revisit Image Consent: Discuss with friends, family, and organizations about consent for images being taken or shared.
Furthermore, involving children in conversations about their images can empower them to express their comfort levels regarding sharing.
The Risks of Sharenting and AI Manipulation
The phenomenon known as "sharenting"—the act of parents sharing images or videos of their children online—has raised concerns for years. Experts warn that sharenting can expose children to risks like identity theft and privacy invasion. The advent of advanced AI tools that can manipulate images further exacerbates these dangers.
Kerry Smith, CEO 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 statement serves as a reminder that the threats posed by AI are not theoretical but rather tangible risks that parents must navigate.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Technology. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
