Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is a powerful technology that enables a user to create new images, videos, audio and text based on user requests or prompts. While GAI technology offers exciting possibilities, it also introduces new risks to child safety online. GAI can be misused in numerous ways to sexually exploit children, including in the creation of altered images of real children that depict them as nude or in sexually explicit or exploitative circumstances.

NCMEC has received CyberTipline reports of offenders using GAI-altered sexually explicit images depicting children in cases of online enticement or sextortion as well as reports of children creating and distributing nude images using “nudify” apps or GAI CSAM of their classmates in schools. 

The creation of this kind of exploitative content is a serious offense that deeply harms the children depicted and should be reported to law enforcement and the CyberTipline. To learn more about this topic, visit NCMEC.org/GAI.