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Summary
Experts warn that AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is surging to record levels, with a 260-fold increase in AI-generated CSAM videos in 2025, according to the Internet Watch Foundation. This surge is attributed to the increased accessibility of generative AI tools to bad actors. Researchers at Thorn, a nonprofit that combats online child sexual exploitation, have identified three ways AI tools are being weaponized against children: re-victimization of historical abuse survivors, weaponization of innocent images, and strain on reporting pipelines. The technology has made traditional child safety guidance outdated, and parents are urged to have urgent conversations with their children.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
AI-generated CSAM has increased by 260-fold in 2025, with 3,443 videos reported, up from just 13 in the previous year.
Thorn’s research found that 1 in 17 young people have personally experienced deepfake imagery abuse, and 1 in 8 knew someone who had been targeted.
Investigators are struggling to determine whether new images depict real-time abuse or are AI-generated.
The technology has made traditional child safety guidance, such as not sharing images online, outdated.
The surge in AI-generated CSAM is a warning, not a surprise, and the conversation about it cannot wait.
Author: Evan Null
