By Jack Hughes, President of Parent Tech Support
AI-generated deepfakes have created a new weapon for online predators targeting children. Fake images and videos that look disturbingly real can be created from publicly available photos on social media. Jack Hughes explains how this technology works, why it threatens children, and what parents must do to reduce the risk.
What AI Deepfakes Are and How They Target Kids
Deepfake technology uses artificial intelligence to generate or manipulate images and videos. A predator can take a child’s photo from a public social media profile and use AI tools to create fabricated explicit images. These generated images look realistic enough to be used for extortion, blackmail, and psychological manipulation.
The technology has become accessible to anyone with a computer. Free and low-cost AI tools make it possible for bad actors to create deepfakes without technical expertise.
The Connection Between Deepfakes and Sextortion
Predators use deepfake images to blackmail children. The typical pattern involves creating a fake explicit image of a child, then threatening to share it with their friends, family, or classmates unless the child complies with demands. These demands escalate rapidly and can include sending real explicit images, money, or personal information.
This form of sextortion has increased dramatically. Children who receive these threats feel trapped because the fake images look real enough that they fear no one will believe them.
Why Public Social Media Profiles Increase Risk
Every photo a child posts publicly becomes potential source material for deepfake creation. Profile pictures, vacation photos, selfies, and group photos can all be used. The more photos available, the more realistic the deepfake results.
Jack recommends making all children’s social media accounts private. Remove profile photos that clearly show the child’s face, and educate children about why limiting their public digital footprint matters. For platform-specific privacy settings, see Jack’s guides on Instagram and Snapchat.
How to Talk to Your Children About This Threat
Children need to know that:
- Fake images can be made from real photos – Anyone’s photo can be manipulated
- It is not their fault – If they receive threatening messages with fake images, they are the victim
- They should tell a trusted adult immediately – Predators rely on shame and silence to maintain control
- These threats should be reported to law enforcement – Creating and distributing deepfake explicit images of minors is a crime
Open communication is the strongest defense. Children who feel safe telling their parents about online threats get help faster and suffer less psychological harm.
Technical Steps to Reduce Risk
Beyond conversation, parents should take these technical steps:
- Set all social media accounts to private
- Disable location sharing on all apps and devices
- Use layered parental controls to monitor who contacts your child online
- Restrict AI tool access – Block or monitor AI image generation tools on children’s devices
- Enable network-level filtering to block known AI deepfake platforms
Watch the Full Video
Jack explains the deepfake threat in detail and provides practical steps parents can implement immediately.
Protect Your Child’s Digital Identity
AI deepfakes represent a serious and growing threat to children’s safety. Limit public photos, make accounts private, and have honest conversations about online manipulation. Visit Parent Tech Support for more resources on protecting children from emerging digital threats.
For more on protecting children from predators, read Jack’s articles on group chat dangers and incognito mode.
