AI-generated Child Abuse Awareness

The growing threat of AI-generated child sexual abuse.

The rapid development of generative artificial intelligence is transforming how child sexual abuse material can be created, manipulated and distributed. Being Shame explores the human consequences of this technology, exposing the dangers of digital exploitation and challenging audiences to confront the responsibilities we share in protecting children online.

1. AI-GENERATED CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IS ESCALATING

3,443 AI-generated child sexual abuse videos were identified by the Internet Watch Foundation in 2025, compared with just 13 in 2024.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) were classified as Category A, the most severe category under UK law.

READ THE INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION REPORT

These figures refer specifically to videos assessed by the IWF, rather than all AI-generated abuse material circulating online. Internet Watch Foundation

2. AI IS CHANGING HOW CHILDREN ARE TARGETED

The National Crime Agency warns that artificial intelligence could increasingly enable offenders to produce child sexual abuse imagery and target large numbers of children through automated, personalised communication, including across language barriers.

Source: National Crime Agency, National Strategic Assessment 2026.

3. THE THREAT OF SYNTHETIC ABUSE IS GROWING

The Internet Watch Foundation has warned that advances in artificial intelligence could enable offenders to produce full-length synthetic abuse films depicting real children.

Source: Internet Watch Foundation, July 2025.

4. THE HARM DOESN'T END WHEN AN IMAGE IS DELETED

UN Women has warned that fabricated sexual imagery can be copied and redistributed repeatedly, making complete removal extraordinarily difficult.

For victims, the consequences of image-based sexual abuse can persist long after the original material is removed.

Source: UN Women, February 2026.