UK schools urged to remove pupil photos over AI blackmail threat

UK schools are being advised to remove pictures of pupils' faces from their websites and social media accounts due to a growing threat of online blackmail. Experts in child safety and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) have raised concerns that criminals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate photos of children found online. These manipulated images are then used to create sexually explicit content, which is used to extort money from families.

Criminals are reportedly accessing photos of children from school websites and social media accounts, and then using AI to create fake, explicit images. These images are then used to blackmail families, with demands for cash to prevent the images from being published. The NCA and child safety experts are urging schools to take proactive steps to protect their students by removing online photos.

The warning comes as a growing number of cases have been reported in which children have been targeted by online blackmailers. Experts say that the use of AI to manipulate images has made it easier for criminals to create convincing, yet fake, content. 'UK schools should remove pictures of pupils' faces from their websites and social media accounts because blackmailers are using them to create sexually explicit images,' experts have said.

The NCA has also highlighted the need for parents and schools to be vigilant when sharing photos of children online. 'Criminals are using AI to manipulate photos of children and then demand cash not to publish them,' a spokesperson for the NCA said. By removing online photos, schools can help reduce the risk of their students being targeted by online blackmailers.

Experts are calling for greater awareness and action to be taken to protect children from this growing threat.