The Hidden Risks of Sharing Your Child's Photos Online

If you’re sharing pictures of your kids online, it’s worth thinking about the risks.

A recent article from WIRED talked about how big companies like Google, Apple, and Discord have accidentally made it easier for people to find harmful websites.

These websites use AI to create fake nude images of real people—without their permission. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s happening.

How Does This Work?

These websites allow people to log in using their Google or Apple accounts—the same ones you use for apps and other things. This makes it really easy for anyone to start using these troubling services. Even though companies like Google and Apple have rules to prevent this, some websites still manage to get through.

The Growing Problem of Fake Images

These websites are becoming more common. In just the first half of 2023, 16 of these sites had over 200 million visits. That’s a lot of people.

What’s worse is these fake images are often used to hurt or embarrass people, especially women and girls.

Most deepfake content online (around 90%) involves creating nonconsensual images of people. Even teens are using these tools to create fake photos of their classmates. It’s a real problem.

What Are Tech Companies Doing?

When WIRED brought this to their attention, companies like Discord and Apple started shutting down accounts linked to these websites. This is a good step, but many people feel that more needs to be done to stop the problem before it happens.

Still, about 13% of parents believe it’s totally safe to share pictures of their kids online, not realizing the possible dangers.

Why Parents Should Be Concerned

As parents, it’s important to know that the internet can be a risky place for kids.

A report from the Children’s Commissioner for England showed that by the time a child is 13, their image has already been shared online around 1,300 times.

With these harmful websites growing, even sharing what seems like a harmless photo could have unexpected consequences. It’s important to think carefully about what you post and who can see it.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Kids Safe

Here are a few simple tips to help protect your kids online:

Be Careful What You Share: Think about how many pictures or details you post about your children. It might be a good idea to make your social media private.
Talk to Your Kids: Help your kids understand the risks of sharing too much online. Make sure they know why privacy is important.
Watch What’s Posted About Them: Keep an eye on what’s being shared about your kids online. If something’s not right, take steps to fix it.
Think Before You Post: Once something is online, it’s hard to fully remove. Consider the long-term effects before sharing.

Why Kids Need to Be Careful Online

As children spend more time online, they’re more likely to come across harmful websites. Those that use AI to make fake, nonconsensual images are especially dangerous.

If your child finds one of these websites, it could really affect their mental health. Seeing this type of content can cause fear and anxiety.

Even worse, if they accidentally create or share fake images, they could face legal trouble or become a target for bullying.

How You Can Keep Your Kids Safe Online

Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your kids:

Set Up Parental Controls: Most devices and internet browsers let you block adult content or certain websites. Use these settings to keep your child away from harmful sites.
Educate Your Kids About Online Risks: Talk to your child about the dangers of the internet in a way that’s right for their age. Teach them how to spot suspicious websites and avoid unknown links.
Monitor Their Activity: Check your child’s browsing history and the apps they use regularly. You can also use software that reports on their online activity.
Set Clear Rules for Internet Use: Establish limits on when and how your child can use the internet. Decide which websites or apps are safe for them to use and set time limits.

Keeping your kids safe online is all about staying aware and setting boundaries. The internet has a lot of great things to offer, but it’s important to be cautious and protect your child’s well-being.

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.