In September 2024, India’s Supreme Court ruled that any picture, video, or AI image that shows a child in a sexual way is now called Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material (CSEAM). Creating, sharing, or even saving CSEAM—real or fake—is now a serious crime. The Court also told the government to set up a tech task-force, remove illegal files quickly, and give child survivors faster help in court.
Predators now use free AI tools, chatbots, and cheap phone cameras to make fake child-abuse images in minutes. These files look real and spread fast online. Even if no child posed for the picture, the files still create demand for real abuse. This shows how smartphones impact children: powerful tech in every pocket can be misused just as easily as it can be used for good.
Predators feed text prompts (“8-year-old on beach, no clothes”) into free image generators, then refine the output. Some use AI models trained on illegal material to make sharper fakes.
ChatGPT-style bots craft believable teen slang, jokes, and compliments—perfect bait for online grooming. The predators use these scripts to interact with children and win their confidence
Open-source tools swap a real child’s face onto new footage or clone a teen’s voice for live calls. These synthetic files spread fast because they are harder to trace.
Cheap data and pocket cameras let kids go online alone—often before age ten. Unsuspecting children livestream homework, accept friend requests in seconds, or join invite-only gaming chats. Each click can leak faces, voices, and routines to a predator who never shows his own.
In 2023, Europol worked with 35 countries and found thousands of AI-made child-abuse files. Police made 70 arrests and rescued 39 children. Australia and the EU have already passed stricter laws on fake images. A recent NDTV article explains India’s move in detail and warns that child abuse in the digital space is growing worldwide.
Knowing how to protect children in the digital world starts at home:
Private profiles only. No school names, no location tags.
Check new friends. Do a reverse-image search on profile photos; if the same face has a different name, block it.
Screen-time curfew. Collect phones one hour before bed. A firm Screen Time limit removes the late-night window predators like.
Use a parental-control app. A good app can block apps with anonymous chat, filter risky sites, and alert you when suspicious words appear.
Download the SavvyKids parental-control app →
SavvyParent visits schools and shows students simple, clear lessons:
How AI fakes and chatbots trick them.
Why sharing even one photo can lead to blackmail.
Easy rules for safe profiles, open-door gaming, and quick reporting.
Schools that run the three-module workshop report fewer online-harm cases within one term. Parents receive follow-up guides so these habits stick at home.
India’s new law makes it clear: every fake or real child-abuse image is illegal. Strong laws help, but real safety starts with parents and schools. Teach children, set daily tech limits, and use a trusted parental-control tool to block danger before it starts. Together, we can keep every screen a safer place for our kids.
Why criminalise AI images if no real child posed?
Yes. The Court said fake images create demand and normalise abuse. Making or sharing them is now a crime.
Which is better—talking to my child or using a parental-control app?
Both. Talk first so your child understands risks. Use the app to enforce rules 24 / 7 when you are busy.
Are private accounts enough?
They help, but kids still accept friend requests easily. Add profile checks, Screen Time limits, and app blocking for true safety.
