AI technology has advanced significantly in recent years and has become increasingly accessible. As a result, there is a growing risk that it may be exploited to produce sexual material.
In 2024 the Internet Watch Foundation reported over 20,000 AI generated images on a dark web forum in a month.
As such, it’s now more important than ever to be extremely careful of what you share online.
What the law says
While it is not a criminal offence to share intimate images or videos with another consenting adult, it is a crime to show, give, or make available to another person (e.g. upload to a website), an image or video that shows (or appears to show) another person in an intimate situation, without that person’s consent. This includes images and videos that have been altered, e.g. ‘deepfakes‘.
It is illegal to take, share, or possess an indecent image of a person under 18, regardless of consent. This includes computer generated sexualised images generated by AI of anyone under 18 and is treated as a criminal offence.
How do I report this?
There is a number of ways you can contact the police to inform them of the incident, whether you are a victim or have seen something online. While you might feel scared or embarrassed to tell the police about the situation, it’s important to remember that with the help of your information they could prevent more incidents like this from occurring.
Find out the best way to contact the police based on your situation here.
Can something be taken down from a website?
Yes but the process is slightly different based on your age.
Under 18s
Childline’s Report Remove can help young people under 18 in the UK confidentially report sexual images and videos and remove them from the internet.
Over 18s
- You can contact the website or social media platform where it’s been posted to have it removed.
- Speak to the Revenge Porn Helpline to find out how you can get something taken down if the website is not responding.
Further support
Find our full list of mental health organisations that are there for you, no matter what.
If you or someone you know is being blackmailed with their nudes check Crimestoppers Fearless page for more information.