Britain criminalizes the use of artificial intelligence for child sexual exploitation

3rd February 2025

2 minutes read

Britain criminalizes the use of artificial intelligence for child sexual exploitation

Britain has announced that it will criminalize the use of artificial intelligence tools that generate images of child sexual abuse, making it the first country in the world to classify AI use in this context as a crime.

It confirmed that these measures will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill when it is presented to Parliament.

The possession, capture, creation, display, or distribution of obscene images of children is already a crime in England and Wales.

The new offenses will specifically target the use of AI tools to “digitally undress” real images of children.

Obscene Images

This move comes as cybercriminals increasingly use artificial intelligence to create child exploitation materials. Reports of such explicit images have increased fivefold in 2024, according to the Internet Watch Foundation.

Quoting British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Reuters reported: “We know that the activities of dangerous online predators often lead to the most horrific abuses.”

She added, “It is crucial that we tackle child sexual abuse both online and offline so that we can better protect the public from these new and emerging crimes.”

Child Blackmail

The British government also stated that offenders use AI tools to conceal their identities and blackmail children with manipulated images, forcing them into further exploitation, such as live-streamed abuse.

The new offenses will cover the possession, creation, or distribution of AI tools specifically designed to generate child sexual abuse material.

Another distinct offense will target those who operate websites distributing such illicit content.

Additionally, the government will grant law enforcement authorities the power to inspect digital devices.

Earlier this month, Britain also announced that creating and sharing AI-generated videos, images, or audio clips of explicit sexual content designed to appear real will be classified as a criminal offense.