UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has appealed to parents to be more cautious about posting pictures of their kids on social media sites. The agency revealed that there are some criminals who are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for the inappropriate use of normal pictures available on the internet.
NCA Warns Parents Against Sharing Children’s Photos on Social Media
As per the report issued by the NCA, photos posted by parents are at times edited by criminals using AI software, and then they are used for any kind of misuse. For this reason, parents have been warned about thinking twice while posting the pictures of their children on the internet. AI is helping people in simplifying almost all aspects of our lives. Nevertheless, experts believe that AI can pose online security threats too, if not used wisely.
Media reports have stated that some criminals are now using AI technology to transform normal pictures into fake photos and videos. These risks have raised fresh concerns about children’s photos on social media. Such fake files can look very realistic, making it difficult to tell the difference between the original and edited versions.
What Is Sharenting?
Parents usually document family events through pictures and video recordings that they later upload to social media. This habit is known as “sharenting,” a term created by combining “sharing” and “parenting.” While it may seem harmless, experts warn that posting too much information can put children’s privacy at risk. Photos shared by parents may be downloaded and misused by others. Similar concerns have also led to discussions around the Punjab social media law for children, which focuses on protecting young users online.
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The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) states that this issue has become very prevalent within a relatively short period of time. According to IWF, about 3,500 AI-generated pictures and videos depicting the abuse of children were discovered in 2025. This is quite a large number compared to only 13 cases recorded in 2024. This shows how fast this type of content is increasing in popularity. It has been suggested that criminals often use social media sites to get photos of children.
How Parents Can Help Protect Their Children
According to the IWF, parents can reduce the risk by keeping their social media accounts private. This helps ensure that only trusted friends and family members can view shared photos and videos. Parents are also advised to use privacy features such as “Close Friends” to limit who can see their posts. These simple steps can help protect family photos from unauthorized access. Experts also encourage parents to talk with their children about their online presence. When children are old enough, parents should ask for their permission before sharing their photos online. For more updates on digital policies, read our coverage of the Pakistan Social Media Tax 2026.
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AI development makes online security an increasing challenge for all families. Photos shared today will remain online for years and could be replicated illegally. The warning provided by NCA regarding children’s photos posted on social media shows that parents need to consider the issue of protection of their children’s privacy through the use of online safety practices. News source eTimes Pakistan.
