Deepfake
AI-generated video, audio, or images that convincingly show a real person saying or doing something they never actually did.
In plain English
AI-generated video, audio, or images that convincingly show a real person saying or doing something they never actually did.
Why it matters
Deepfakes are used in bullying, sexual image abuse, and fraud. Creating or sharing a sexual deepfake of someone without consent is a criminal offence in the UK. Children may not realise that pasting a classmate\'s face onto explicit content is illegal, harmful, and reportable, even if the original image was clothed.
What to do
Parents and carers
If your child has been targeted by a deepfake, save evidence, report to the platform, and contact the police via 101 or CEOP. The Revenge Porn Helpline can help with removal.
Schools and settings
Treat deepfake intimate images as sexual abuse under KCSIE, not as a low-level prank.
Teens
Never make or share a sexual deepfake of anyone. It is illegal and it will harm them.
Related
Risks and topics
Reporting routes
Sources
- Intimate image abuse guidance— GOV.UK
- Revenge Porn Helpline— SWGfL
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-17