Internet Watch Foundation reports huge rise in AI child sexual abuse material
Summary
The UK Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reports a large rise in illegal images of child sexual abuse made by artificial intelligence (AI). In the first half of 2026, the number of such AI-generated images was already higher than the total for all of 2025. The UK government is working on laws to regulate AI and make the internet safer, but new rules are not yet ready.Key Facts
- The IWF found 6,310 AI-created illegal child sexual abuse images in early 2026, 40% more than 2025’s 4,500.
- Most images show girls aged between seven and 13 years old.
- AI-made videos of abuse have also increased, but recent numbers focus on images only.
- Creating or sharing AI tools that generate such illegal images can lead to up to five years in prison in the UK.
- The UK government bans AI models that produce or help create harmful, realistic abuse images.
- The online tool Report Remove received over 420 reports from children about fake explicit images in early 2026, more than in all of 2025.
- Authorities advise parents to keep children's pictures off public social media or share them only in private groups.
- UK officials say stronger AI laws will be considered if they can improve public safety.
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