National Crime Agency Warns Parents Against Sharing Children’s Images Online Amid Rising AI-Generated Abuse Threats
In a significant advisory, the National Crime Agency (NCA) has urged parents to reconsider posting images of their children on public platforms. This warning comes in light of escalating concerns regarding the misuse of such images in the creation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through artificial intelligence (AI).
The NCA, in collaboration with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), has highlighted a troubling trend: the proliferation of AI-generated content depicting child sexual abuse. In 2025 alone, the IWF reported over 8,000 such images and videos, marking a 14% increase from the previous year. Tim Wright, a senior manager at the NCA, emphasized the importance of prevention, stating, “While we and policing colleagues tackle offenders, prevention remains vital.”
To assist parents in safeguarding their children, the NCA and IWF have released updated guidance outlining practical steps to enhance online safety. Among their recommendations, parents are advised to review privacy settings on social media platforms and consider creating “close friends” groups for sharing images. This approach aims to limit exposure to a wider audience and reduce the risk of misuse.
The guidance underscores the dual nature of AI technology. While it offers numerous benefits, its potential for misuse is a growing concern. “AI is becoming a part of everyday life,” the advice notes, highlighting that it can be exploited by individuals who manipulate images and videos to create harmful content involving children.
In stark contrast to 2024, when only 13 AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse were identified, the IWF reported a staggering increase to 3,440 such videos in 2025. This alarming rise underscores the urgent need for parents to be vigilant about their children’s online presence, as this type of imagery is classified as CSAM in the UK.
In response to the escalating threat of AI-related abuse, the UK government is taking proactive measures. Initiatives include the ban on “nudification” apps and legislative adjustments aimed at ensuring that AI companies implement safeguards to prevent their systems from being used to generate CSAM.
As technology continues to evolve, the responsibility lies with both parents and authorities to protect children from potential online threats. By staying informed and adopting recommended safety practices, parents can play a crucial role in safeguarding their children in an increasingly digital world.
