Authorities report that offenders are increasingly using AI to generate child sexual exploitation material. Photo / Nicolas Armer, picture alliance via Getty Images
Authorities report that offenders are increasingly using AI to generate child sexual exploitation material. Photo / Nicolas Armer, picture alliance via Getty Images
A surge in reports of digitally generated child sexual exploitation material is raising alarm among child safety experts.
It is illegal in New Zealand to possess, distribute or create child sexual exploitation material (CSEM), but an influx of AI-generated content is presenting new challenges for investigators.
Tim Houston, manager ofthe Department of Internal Affairs’ digital child exploitation team, told the Herald that technology is increasingly being used by offenders to create extreme abuse imagery.
In the first quarter of this year, the team has seen a substantial rise in the number of cartoon and computer-generated images shared online.
The department received 267 reports of AI-produced images of children in that period.
In 2025, 151 such reports were made to the authorities across the year, 130 more than in 2024.
A Christchurch man was recently jailed for AI-generated “mash-up” child exploitation images, with a judge finding the fake material still caused harm to children.
Houston said the content allows offenders to increase the demand for exploitative material, both real and digitally generated, without making contact.
“AI-generated CSEM enables offenders to create infinite amounts of CSEM, fulfilling their most extreme fantasies,” he said.
“It contributes and promotes the normalisation of sexual offending behaviour and creates an environment where offenders can easily create graphic CSEM, increasing the risk of victimisation of our tamariki.”
Houston said the material presents a particular challenge as investigators have to verify the authenticity of the images and assess whether real children were involved.
“This takes precious time away from identifying and safeguarding real-world children who are at risk.”
Tim Houston says AI-generated material still presents a harm to children. Photo / Department of Internal Affairs
But AI also has the potential to support efforts to combat the proliferation of CSEM.
“The department and our partners are always exploring opportunities to identify and utilise all technology solutions to strengthen our response to child sexual exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand,” Houston said.
The team is currently working to improve the Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System (DCEFS) to identify non-pornographic websites that are hosting AI-generated CSEM.
Private sector organisations are also playing an increasing role in efforts to curb the spread.
Spark was the first internet provider to block AI-generated child sexual exploitation material on its servers, adopting the Internet Watch Foundation’s (IWF) Non-Photographic Imagery URL list last year.
Spark’s sustainability director Leela Ashford said the initiative was part of the company’s effort to make its network “a better and safer place”.
“By extending our blocking to include websites on the IWF Non-Photographic Imagery list, we are further reducing the risk of our customers being exposed to deeply harmful material,” Ashford said.
“While no single measure can eliminate the problem entirely, this is another layer of protection that will make a real difference.”
There are several other ways online businesses can contribute meaningfully to the reduction and prevention of CSEM, Houston said.
He suggested internet service providers and technology companies strengthen their AI-detection tools and implement the DCEFS to restrict access to websites known to host CSEM.
Houston also encouraged companies to adopt safety by design principles and ensure robust reporting mechanisms are in place.
Helplines
Advice and support for parents and caregivers on protecting their children online is available at KeepItRealOnline.govt.nz. If you have concerns about potential online harm or wish to report a crime, contact the digital child exploitation team at DIA. For situations where abuse is occurring or a child is in immediate danger, contact the police at 111. Victims of child or sexual abuse crimes can access help and support services by contacting:
