Internet Watch Foundation reports huge rise in AI-generated child sexual abuse material

The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has reported a significant surge in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), with figures for the first half of 2026 already surpassing the total for the entire previous year. The organization identified 6,310 illegal AI-generated images, marking a 40% increase over 2025. These findings have intensified calls from policy experts for binding legislation to compel tech companies to implement safer, 'by-design' AI models. While the UK government has criminalized the creation and distribution of such material, officials are currently evaluating further regulatory measures to ensure public safety. Additionally, the Report Remove service has seen a rise in reports from children regarding manipulated explicit images of themselves. Authorities are now advising parents to exercise caution when sharing photos of children on social media to mitigate the risks posed by evolving AI capabilities.