Britain is taking a bold step in the fight against online exploitation by making it illegal to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create child sexual abuse images. This groundbreaking move, announced on Saturday, positions the UK as the first country in the world to introduce such specific AI-related offenses.

The new laws target the use of AI to manipulate real-life images of children, a practice known as “nudeifying.” Offenses will also cover creating, sharing, or possessing AI tools designed to produce child abuse content. Additionally, so-called “pedophile manuals” that guide the use of these technologies will be criminalized.

Experts have raised concerns about the growing misuse of AI by online predators. Reports show a nearly five-fold increase in AI-generated child abuse material this year alone. Criminals are also using AI to disguise their identities and blackmail children into further exploitation.

Yvette Cooper, the UK’s interior minister, emphasized the importance of tackling this issue head-on. “These sick online activities often lead to real-world abuse. We must act now to protect the public from these emerging crimes,” she said.

The new measures, part of the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill, will also allow authorities to inspect digital devices more effectively. This follows earlier moves to criminalize the creation and sharing of “deepfake” explicit content.

The UK’s decisive action sets a strong precedent in the global effort to combat AI-driven exploitation and safeguard children online.