New National Guidance Released to Tackle Rising Threat of AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (AI-CSAM)
The National Crime Agency's CEOP Education team, in partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the Nations, has released crucial new guidance for professionals working with children and young people on the escalating threat of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (AI-CSAM).
This comes in response to a shocking 380% increase in AI-CSAM reports between 2023 and 2024, as observed by the IWF. The rapid evolution of AI tools has enabled the creation of highly realistic and abusive images that do not rely on existing child abuse material, yet still cause significant harm.
Alarmingly, recent insights revealed that 26% of education practitioners were unaware that AI-CSAM is illegal, while 53% stated that clear guidance is the most urgently needed resource in this area.
In response, a new resource titled ‘Child sexual abuse imagery generated by artificial intelligence: An essential guide for professionals who work with children and young people’ has been launched. This guidance is designed to:
Increase awareness and understanding of AI-CSAM;
Explain how AI can be used to create CSAM;
Provide practical advice on how to identify, report and respond to incidents involving AI-CSAM in educational and child-facing settings.
Tailored versions of the guidance are available for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring that professionals across the UK have access to region-specific support and legal context.
The guidance is available on both the IWF and NCA CEOP Education websites and can be accessed directly here: AI-CSAM Guidance for Professionals
We strongly encourage all staff in safeguarding, pastoral care, and education roles to familiarise themselves with this guide and share it within their networks. Staying informed is a critical step in protecting children and young people from this emerging form of harm.