Discovering that someone has used your child's image to create a fake — whether it's a manipulated video, an altered photo, or a cloned voice — is deeply distressing. You're not alone, and there are clear steps you can take right now to report it, get it removed, and protect your child.
This guide walks you through the most effective actions to take, starting with the most urgent.
Step 1: Save the Evidence
(But Don't Download Explicit Content)
Before anything gets taken down, document what you've found:
- Take screenshots of the content, the URL where it appears, the account that posted it, and any timestamps visible on the page.
- Screen-record video content if possible.
- Note the platform name and any usernames or profile links associated with the content.
Step 2: Report to the Platform Immediately
Every major social media and content-sharing platform has a process for reporting non-consensual intimate imagery and content involving minors. Use the platform's reporting tool and select the category most relevant to your situation, such as:
- "Non-consensual intimate image"
- "Exploitative content involving a minor"
- "Fake or manipulated media"
Most platforms prioritize reports involving minors and will act within hours when the content is flagged correctly.
Step 3: Contact Local Law Enforcement
File a report with your local police department. Bring:
- Screenshots and URLs you've already saved
- Any communications or messages related to the content
In the United States, the TAKE IT DOWN Act (signed into law in May 2025) makes it a federal crime to knowingly publish non-consensual intimate deepfakes, including AI-generated content depicting minors. The law also requires platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of receiving a valid takedown request. Many U.S. states have additional laws that specifically criminalize AI-generated exploitative imagery of minors.
Step 4: Get Support for Your Child (and Yourself)
This experience can be traumatic for both your child and your family. These resources can help:
- Consider speaking with a school counselor or mental health professional who has experience with cyberbullying and online exploitation.
- Talk to your child openly — reassure them that this is not their fault and that you are taking action.
How to Help Prevent This in the Future
While you can't completely prevent someone from misusing AI, you can reduce the risk:
- Review social media privacy settings. Set your child's profiles to private and limit who can view their photos.
- Be cautious with school and activity photos. Talk to schools and organizations about where and how your child's image is used online.
- Talk to your child about digital safety. Help them understand that photos posted online can be misused — without making them feel responsible for what happened.
- Use Trend Micro ScamCheck to monitor for scam links and AI-manipulated content that may target your family.