UNICEF Calls on Governments to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Abuse Material

In brief

• UNICEF’s research estimates 1.2 million children had images manipulated into sexual deepfakes last year across 11 surveyed countries.
• Regulators have stepped up action against AI platforms, with probes, bans, and criminal investigations tied to alleged illegal content generation.
• The agency urged tighter laws and “safety-by-design” rules for AI developers, including mandatory child-rights impact checks.