Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery soar by 154% in a year
Reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery increased by 154% in a year, with 491 reports in 2025, up from 193 in 2024, according to the Internet Watch Foundation. The charity warned of a 'rapid, frightening advancement' in the ability to generate such content.
The Internet Watch Foundation received 491 reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery in 2025, a 154% increase from 193 in 2024. The charity's annual report highlighted new forms of AI-generated content, including on AI companion sites and mainstream social media adverts. Video content is a particular concern, with 3,443 AI-generated child sexual abuse videos reported in 2025, 260 times more than in 2024. The IWF warned that AI-generated imagery can cause 'profound and enduring' harm to children depicted, even if created using real victims' faces or bodies. The UK government has announced plans to allow designated authorities to test AI models to prevent child sexual abuse content generation. The IWF is calling on tech companies to ensure their products are safe by design.
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