The Hidden Risks of Sharing Your Child's Photos Online

If you think sharing images of your children online is harmless, it might be time to rethink that.

A recent article by WIRED highlighted how major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Discord have unintentionally made it easier for people to access dangerous websites.

These websites use artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake nude images of real people without their consent.

AI & Fake Images : How does it work?

Websites that are sharing fake images online use a system that lets people log in using their existing accounts from popular platforms like Google or Apple.

This makes it very easy for anyone to sign up and start using these disturbing services.

Even though these tech companies have rules against this kind of misuse, these websites have still managed to take advantage of their systems.

The problem of AI & Fake images

The number of websites that create fake, nonconsensual images has been growing fast.

In the first half of 2023 alone, one lawsuit revealed that 16 of these websites had over 200 million visits.

These images are often used to bully, harass, or humiliate people, especially women and girls. What’s even more alarming is that a study found that 90% of deepfake content online involves nonconsensual pornography, and some teenagers are using these tools to create images of their classmates.

These websites are often hard to track because they change quickly and operate in secret.

What Tech Companies Are Doing

After being alerted by WIRED, some companies like Discord and Apple have started to take action by shutting down the accounts of these harmful websites.

However, many believe that these companies should be doing more to prevent this problem from happening in the first place.

Despite efforts, around 13% of parents still believe that sharing images of their children online is completely safe, not realizing the potential risks involved.

Why Parents Should Be Concerned

As parents, it’s important to understand that the internet can be a dangerous place, especially for children.

According to a report by the Children’s Commissioner for England, by the age of 13, a child’s image has already been shared online an average of 1,300 times.

The rise of these harmful websites shows that even something as simple as sharing a photo online can have serious consequences. This is why it’s crucial to be cautious about what you share and who can see it.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Children

Limit What You Share: Be careful about how much information and how many photos you share of your children online. Consider keeping your social media accounts private.
Educate Yourself and Your Kids: Learn about the risks of sharing too much online and talk to your children about the importance of privacy.
Monitor Their Online Presence: Keep an eye on what’s being shared about your children online, and take action if necessary.
Think Before You Post: Remember that once something is online, it’s hard to completely remove it. Think carefully about the long-term impact of what you share.

The Dangers of Children Browsing Online and Accessing Harmful Websites

As children spend more time online, the risk of them accidentally stumbling upon harmful websites increases.

Websites that use AI to create fake, nonconsensual images are particularly dangerous. If a child encounters one of these sites, it can have serious consequences for their mental health and well-being.

Exposure to explicit or violent content can cause fear, anxiety, and confusion.

Additionally, if a child unknowingly uses these sites to generate or share images, they could face legal issues or become a target for bullying and exploitation.

Recommendations to Keep Your Child Safe Online

Use Parental Controls: Activate parental controls on devices and internet browsers to block access to harmful content. Many devices and routers offer settings that allow you to filter out adult content and restrict access to specific websites.
Educate Your Child About Online Dangers: Have age-appropriate conversations with your child about the risks of browsing online. Teach them to recognize suspicious websites and to avoid interacting with unknown links or pop-ups.
Monitor Online Activity: Regularly check your child’s browsing history and the apps they use. Consider using monitoring software that provides reports on your child’s online activity.
Set Clear Rules for Internet Use: Establish guidelines for when and how your child can use the internet. Set time limits and designate safe websites or apps that they are allowed to access.
Encourage Open Communication: Make sure your child knows they can come to you if they encounter something online that makes them uncomfortable. Encourage them to talk about their online experiences, so you can address any concerns together.
Install Child-Safe Browsers and Apps: Use child-friendly browsers and apps that are designed to offer a safe online experience. These platforms often have built-in protections to filter out inappropriate content.

Prepare your child for a digital future. If your child is getting a device for the first time then use the First Device kit below

The internet offers many benefits, but it also comes with risks. By understanding these risks and taking steps to protect your children, you can help keep them safe in an increasingly digital world.

With 88% of parents reporting concerns about their children’s online safety, it’s clear that taking proactive steps is more important than ever.