UK Cracks Down on AI-Generated Child Abuse Content
As AI tools grow more sophisticated and accessible, sadly exploitation of these tools also increases. Recognising this, the Home Office has made the UK the first country in the world to introduce new legislation that targets predators producing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
AI-generated content has severe consequences for victims. CSAMs may be used to manipulate or blackmail children, perpetuate harmful narratives, or retraumatise victims whose likenesses have been altered.
The Internet Watch Foundation conducted a 30 day analysis in 2024 and identified over 3,500 new AI-generated CSAMs on a dark web forum. A 10% increase in category A (most severe) images was also evident when compared to the previous year. This abhorrent abuse of AI-generated content is on the rise, but new measures aim to be a step forward in combating it.
The UK will be the first country in the world to introduce the following offences:
Make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools designed to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM), punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Make it illegal for anyone to possess AI ‘paedophile manuals’ which teach people how to use AI to sexually abuse children, punishable by up to 3 years in prison.
The Home Office is also introducing:
A specific offence for predators who run websites designed for other paedophiles to share child sexual abuse content or advice on how to groom children, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Giving Border Force the necessary powers to keep the UK safe and prevent the distribution of CSAM by allowing officers to compel an individual who they reasonably suspect poses a sexual risk to children to unlock their digital devices for inspection, punishable by up to 3 years in prison. (Depending on the severity).
All of this legislation will be introduced as part of the Crime and Policing bill. It’s a step in the right direction, but much more action is needed to support victims. We are hopeful that more laws will come into effect to protect victims, as well as increased education around prevention and awareness.
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Report child sexual abuse content to the Internet Watch Foundation.