AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material Surges Online, Watchdog Reports

AI Summary

The Internet Watch Foundation reported a 14% increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online in 2025, with a 260-fold increase in videos, and 65% of videos classified as category A, the most severe type under UK law.

The amount of AI-generated child sexual abuse material found online surged by 14% in 2025, according to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). The watchdog identified 8,029 AI-made images and videos of realistic child sexual abuse material (CSAM) last year.

The IWF reported a 260-fold increase in videos, with 65% of the 3,443 videos classified as category A, the most severe type under UK law. This is compared to 43% of non-AI videos. Kerry Smith, IWF chief executive, emphasized that advances in technology should not come at the expense of a child's safety and wellbeing.

The IWF also found that offenders are discussing the potential of AI systems to create more realistic and violent content, including adding audio to videos or manipulating imagery of real children. The UK government has announced plans to test AI tools to prevent CSAM and introduced legislation to ban AI models designed to generate child sexual abuse material.

Eight out of 10 UK adults want the government to introduce legislation ensuring AI systems are developed with safety as a priority. The IWF operates a hotline and has a global remit to monitor child sexual abuse content.