IWF analysts uncover platform hosting chatbot “characters” designed to let users simulate sexual scenarios with child avatars.
The IWF’s latest AI report exposes rapidly escalating harms to children as the EU moves to scale back the tools that detect and remove child sexual abuse material online. The charity warns that the EU must act urgently to criminalise AI‑generated abuse and preserve essential detection systems before risks intensify further.
AI is becoming more powerful by the day, and the challenge of keeping children safe is growing with it.
At Labour Party Conference 2026, the IWF hosted a panel with Online Safety Minister Ian Murray MP, Jess Phillips MP, Catherine Reader of FlippGen and IWF Chief Executive Kerry Smith. The discussion covered record levels of child sexual abuse material, the Government’s proposed feature-based restrictions on social media for under-16s, the risk of harm being displaced into encrypted spaces, and the need for faster Ofcom enforcement. Panellists agreed that no single measure is enough, and that safety must be built into technology, including AI, from the start.
Research report by PIER at Anglia Ruskin University, providing insight into girls and their parents' understanding of self-generated CSAM.
This report conducted in collaboration with the Policing Institute for the Eastern Region (PIER) highlights the gravity of self-generated child sexual abuse material.
Our #HomeTruths (TALK) and Gurls Out Loud 'self-generated' child sexual abuse prevention campaign.
IWF wants to help young people stay safe online by making sure you know what to do if you accidentally see sexual images or videos of someone you think might be under 18.
IWF CEO Kerry Smith calls for complete EU ban of AI abuse content at high-level meeting of global experts in Rome
The Internet Watch Foundation is pleased to be among the winners of the Digital Communication Awards 2021.