AI Deepfakes: The New Threat Driving 'Never-Post' Parenting
For decades, parents have navigated the complex terrain of sharing their children’s images online, weighing the joy of connection against concerns over privacy, data harvesting by companies, and the risk of exploitation by online predators. While a significant majority have embraced “sharenting” as a social norm, with studies indicating that only about a quarter of parents refrain from posting photos of their children online due to these established concerns, a new and insidious threat is compelling a growing number to reconsider.
This emerging danger stems from the proliferation of sophisticated artificial intelligence, specifically generative AI, the technology powering popular chatbots. These advanced algorithms are now being harnessed by so-called “nudifier” applications, which can automatically generate highly realistic deepfake intimate images using anyone’s face. The implications for children’s privacy and safety are profound, driving many parents, including one who recently welcomed a baby girl and chose not to share her image online, to join the “never-post” movement.
These “nudifier” apps are remarkably simple to use and often inexpensive, with some even offering free trials. Their accessibility has led to widespread use, even among students in schools. For victims, the experience of having artificially generated intimate images of themselves circulating online is reported to be as traumatizing as if the photos were real, inflicting deep psychological harm. While a new federal law has been enacted to criminalize the posting of nonconsensual fake intimate images online, there remains a concerning loophole: the act of creating these images using the “nudifier” apps themselves is not prohibited. This regulatory gap allows these applications to proliferate, with dozens of such websites reportedly generating millions of dollars annually.
The scale of this issue is immense, as highlighted by Alexios Mantzarlis, a founder of the tech publication Indicator, which conducted an investigation into 85 “nudifier” websites. Mantzarlis underscores the pervasive nature of the threat, stating, “It’s everywhere. Any kid with access to the internet can both be a victim or a perpetrator.” This stark reality underscores the evolving digital landscape parents must navigate. The convenience and social appeal of sharing family moments online are increasingly being overshadowed by the chilling potential for AI to weaponize personal images, transforming what was once a benign act into a deeply risky one.