The UK's National Crime Agency has issued an urgent warning to parents following a dramatic surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The Internet Watch Foundation reported that AI-generated videos of child sexual abuse increased by 26,000% in 2025, jumping from just 13 cases in 2024 to 3,440 this year. Overall AI-generated images and videos rose 14% year-over-year to reach 8,029 cases, with two-thirds classified as Category A content, the most severe classification.
The threat extends beyond passive collection of publicly shared content. Criminal gangs have actively targeted educational institutions, with one UK school experiencing a direct attack where perpetrators stole student images from the school website. Using AI tools, the attackers generated over 100 sexual images of the children and attempted to blackmail the school. This incident demonstrates that threat actors are proactively seeking source material rather than simply harvesting what parents voluntarily share online.
The NCA's campaign will run across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, focusing on image consent and the risks of oversharing children's photos and videos online. The initiative includes written guidance for parents on safe image-sharing practices and advice on discussing AI-generated deepfake content with children. Internet Watch Foundation CEO Kerry Smith emphasized that these are not hypothetical threats but real dangers with potentially devastating and lasting impacts on victims.
The phenomenon of "sharenting," where parents regularly share content about their children on social media, creates a substantial pool of source material for AI manipulation. Beyond the immediate risk of sexual abuse imagery, shared photos can expose personal data that fraudsters may exploit. The severity of AI-generated content has also increased, with 65% of AI-created material classified as Category A compared to 43% of non-AI criminal videos in 2025.
Security experts recommend several immediate actions for parents and caregivers. Review privacy settings on all social media accounts to restrict who can access children's images. Discuss image-sharing policies with family members, friends, schools, and activity clubs to establish clear consent boundaries. If an incident occurs, remain calm, reassure the child they are not at fault, and report concerns immediately to local police or the Child Exploitation and Online Protection command. Parents should also regularly reassess their comfort level with previously shared images and feel empowered to withdraw consent or request removal of content.
Source: https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/nca-warn-parents-volume/