UNICEF Urges the World to Halt AI-Generated Child Exploitation

The United Nations calls on global governments to establish strict criminal penalties against AI-generated child sexual abuse material. The appeal gains urgency as AI technology has become a tool for illicit purposes, putting children at unprecedented risk.

The Warning About Child Deepfakes and Alarming Numbers

According to research conducted by NS3.AI, over 1.2 million children’s faces were manipulated into explicit deepfake content during 2025. These figures highlight the concerning scale of digital exploitation of minors, demonstrating how artificial intelligence tools can be diverted for criminal purposes. Virtual abuse represents a form of violence that leaves deep psychological scars on victims, even if the images are synthetic.

Grok and Ongoing Regulatory Investigations

The AI chatbot named Grok, developed by the company behind X, has become the focus of international investigations after being accused of generating sexualized images involving minors. In response, multiple countries have taken drastic measures, suspending the technology within their territories and activating their regulatory agencies. Authorities continue to conduct investigations to determine responsibilities and implement appropriate punishments.

The Path to Protection: UNICEF’s Demands

UNICEF urges not only lawmakers but also the tech industry to take concrete actions. The organization demands that AI developers implement robust security systems and conduct rigorous assessments of impacts on children’s rights. These measures are considered essential to prevent technology from being exploited by criminals. Digital child protection has thus become a challenge that transcends borders and requires collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.