Key Facts

• Seth Cockerham is a Texas detective working on crimes against children on the internet.
• He warns parents about the risks of posting swimsuit photos of their children online.
• Once a photo is uploaded, anyone can save or misuse it without parents' knowledge.
• Advances in artificial intelligence can change or manipulate these photos.
• Many parents think social media accounts are private, but private profiles often have hundreds of followers.
• A 2021 survey showed over 75% of parents share information about their kids online, with fewer than 25% asking permission.
• Cockerham found some photos posted by parents were later discovered on devices used by child abuse offenders.
• He suggests sharing photos only with trusted family or friends or posting pictures that do not show the child’s face or revealing clothing.