The UK government has announced plans to introduce new legislation criminalizing the creation, possession, and distribution of AI-generated child sexual abuse images, making it the first country to do so.
According to Interior Minister Yvette Cooper, individuals found guilty of using AI to generate or share explicit images of children could face up to five years in prison.
Additionally, the proposed law will ban the possession of AI-generated “paedophile manuals,” which provide guidance on exploiting AI for child abuse. Offenders could face up to three years in prison for possession of such materials.
Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Cooper described the rise of AI-generated child abuse images as a deeply disturbing trend, warning that online child sexual exploitation is increasing as AI makes it easier for offenders to manipulate images and groom victims.
The legislation will also target website operators who facilitate the sharing of AI-generated child abuse material or offer grooming advice, with penalties reaching ten years in prison.
Cooper stressed the need for international cooperation, urging other nations to follow the UK’s lead in tackling this growing problem. The law will be introduced as part of the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has reported a surge in AI-generated child abuse material. In 2024, analysts identified 3,512 such images on a single dark web site within just 30 days, with the most serious category of content rising by 10% in a year.
Cooper also referenced a recent inquiry estimating that 500,000 children in the UK experience some form of abuse annually, with online exploitation posing an increasing threat.
The UK government says it remains committed to clamping down on AI-facilitated child exploitation and ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
