Open-Source AI Models Drive Record Surge in AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

Open-source artificial intelligence models are fueling an unprecedented explosion in AI-generated child sexual abuse material, with experts and law enforcement warning that freely downloadable systems enable predators to create, customize, and distribute illegal content at scale with near-total impunity. The Internet Watch Foundation documented 3,440 AI-generated child sexual abuse videos in 2025, compared to just 13 in 2024—a 26,362% increase. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 1.5 million reports of AI-linked child sexual abuse material in 2025, up from 67,000 in 2024. At least 1.2 million children have had their likenesses used to create synthetic abuse content.