Parents have been advised by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to refrain from sharing images of their children online due to an increasing risk of these images being used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through artificial intelligence. The warning highlights a growing threat where publicly accessible photos can be manipulated by AI to generate abusive content.
The IWF reported a significant surge in AI-generated child abuse imagery. In 2025, analysts identified over 8,000 such images and videos, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. The IWF specifically noted a dramatic rise in AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse, from 13 identified in 2024 to 3,440 in 2025. In the UK, this type of imagery is classified as CSAM.
Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasized the importance of preventative measures alongside efforts to apprehend offenders. "While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital," Wright stated.
In response to this evolving threat, the NCA and IWF have collaborated to release updated guidance for parents on safeguarding children online. The advice includes recommendations for parents to review their social media privacy settings and consider creating exclusive groups, such as a "close friends" list, for sharing images with trusted individuals.
The guidance acknowledges the pervasive nature of AI in modern life, noting that "AI is becoming a part of everyday life." It cautions that while AI offers numerous benefits, it can also be exploited for malicious purposes, including the creation, modification, and distribution of non-consensual nude, semi-nude, or sexual images and videos of children.
The UK government has taken steps to address AI-related threats to children. These measures include banning applications designed for 'nudification' and amending legislation to require AI companies to implement safeguards that prevent their systems from generating CSAM.