UK Children's Commissioner Demands Ban on AI Nudification Apps
The UK Children's Commissioner reported that AI apps creating fake nude images of children, known as "nudification" tools, are operating unchecked and causing real-world harm, with girls avoiding online activity due to fear of being targeted. The commissioner called for a government ban, stating the technology disproportionately targets girls and young women.
What happened
Dame Rachel de Souza, the children's commissioner for England, published a report calling on the government to ban apps which use artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images of children. She said a total ban was needed on apps which allow 'nudification' - where photos of real people are edited by AI to make them appear naked.
Dame Rachel said the government was allowing such apps to 'go unchecked with extreme real-world consequences'. The technology was reported as disproportionately targeting girls and young women with many apps appearing to work only on female bodies.
Reported impact
Girls are actively avoiding posting images or engaging online to reduce the risk of being targeted by the technology. Children feared 'a stranger, a classmate, or even a friend' could target them using technologies which could be found on popular search and social media platforms.
Index analysis
It is illegal under the Online Safety Act to share or threaten to share explicit deepfake images. A government spokesperson said child sexual abuse material was illegal and that there were plans for further offences for creating, possessing or distributing AI tools designed to create such content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.