FBI warns criminals use AI to create fake child abuse images

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is alerting parents to a disturbing trend in which criminals exploit artificial intelligence to manufacture fake child sexual abuse material from legitimate photographs.

According to Terence Reilly, special agent in charge of the FBI's Nashville Field Office, perpetrators are using AI-powered applications to transform ordinary images of real children into sexually explicit content within seconds. The manipulated images are then weaponized for exploitation, harassment, and extortion schemes.

"The online targeting of children has never been more prevalent," Reilly said, according to reporting first published by WKRN News 2 in Nashville.

Why it matters

While the images themselves are computer-generated rather than documenting actual abuse, federal investigators emphasize that the psychological harm to victims remains severe. The technology enables predators to create convincing fake material without physical contact, expanding the threat surface for child exploitation and complicating law enforcement efforts. The ease and speed of AI manipulation tools means any child's photo posted online could potentially be weaponized.

Recent Nashville cases highlight the threat

The warning accompanies ongoing investigations involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material in the Nashville area. Metro Nashville Police recently accused a convicted sex offender of uploading AI-generated child sexual abuse material to an online platform. A separate cybertip investigation resulted in the arrest of another individual connected to multiple accounts containing illegal images.

Reilly drew a stark comparison to illustrate the digital vulnerability children face: "You would never let a stranger into your child's bedroom at night. When you have a gaming system or a phone, you're offering that opportunity to a stranger to come into your child's bedroom at night."

Criminals bypass safety measures

Federal investigators report that perpetrators are finding methods to circumvent online safety guardrails built into legitimate platforms. Some criminals are leveraging AI-powered chatbots and similar tools as part of grooming strategies targeting minors online.

"We are continuing to bring these cases and prosecute these cases," Reilly said. "We have our undercover platforms. We have employees trained to target these individuals online."

The FBI itself is deploying artificial intelligence technology in the fight against online exploitation, using the tools to sort through digital evidence, identify investigative leads, and detect illegal content more efficiently.

What parents should do

Investigators are urging parents to maintain regular conversations with children about online activity, privacy settings, and appropriate responses when someone attempts to pressure or target them digitally.

"If someone is threatening you or pressuring you to do something, take a moment, pause, talk to a trusted adult and or law enforcement," Reilly advised. "You're not alone."

Parents whose children may have been targeted should preserve any messages, images, or other evidence and immediately report incidents to law enforcement.

These details were first reported by WKRN News 2 in Nashville.