Nudification Apps – Information and Guidance for Parents and Schools

Experts have raised serious concerns over the availability of Tools or Apps that use artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally remove clothing from photos, creating fake nude images. Here we provide some key information for concerned schools and parents/guardians and potential victims.  

Data from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) finds reports of AI-generated Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) have more than doubled in the past year, rising from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025. Internet Matters also published The New Face of Digital Abuse, a report exploring the proliferation of nude deepfakes (AI-generated sexually explicit images or videos) and children’s experiences of them. 

The report highlighted several key issues surrounding nude deepfakes: 

1. ‘Nudifying’ tools are widely available online, appearing in results of mainstream search engines, as well as being cheap and easy to use. 
2. The vast majority of nude deepfakes feature women and girls. 
3. 13% of children had already encountered a nude deepfake, creating fear and anxiety amongst children. 

Most recently many concerns have been raised about individuals who have been affected by the misuse of artificial intelligence on social media platforms, particularly where AI tools have been used to create synthetic sexualised images of individuals including minors.  

Nudification apps are AI tools that create synthetic sexualised images of individuals as well as using AI to undress people using their publicly available photos. While these images are not real, they are very convincing and the harm they cause is very real.  Unfortunately, some of the tools are now easily available and lacking any proper enforcement of safety measures.

The sharing of non-consensual intimate images (including AI Generated images) is illegal, and the generation of child sexual abuse material is illegal. Under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, an individual who knowingly produces and distributes child sex abuse material is liable to imprisonment or a fine. If a member of the public is concerned about images shared online, they should report it to An Garda Síochána. Reports can also be made to the Irish Internet Hotline; Hotline.ie. 

We also encourage users to report illegal content to the online platform where they saw it. If users experience issues reporting illegal content, they can contact Coimisiún na Meán.  

We urge schools and parents to be cautious in how they approach any discussions on the matter with young people, focus on prevention strategies, seeking help and support, avoid naming any potential platforms to avoid inadvertently promoting or directing students to platforms.  

It is important that young people are aware the sharing of non-consensual intimate images is illegal, and the generation of child sexual abuse material is illegal (including AI generated images). Schools can use the Coco’s Law Lesson (1^st-2^nd year, 3^rd– 5^th year versions) materials. 

Remind students of the importance of protecting their privacy online, setting accounts to private, reviewing and reducing follower lists to close friends. It is also important to remind students that any image/video or piece of audio published online can be edited or misused by almost anyone. Schools can also lead by example by reviewing their own privacy and sharing practices. The DPC recently published a “Data Protection Toolkit for Schools” which includes specific guidance about photographs of students and is available here: https://dataprotection.ie/en/dpc-guidance/data-protection-toolkit-schools. 

Use the Coco’s Law Lesson materials to speak to students about respect and consent online. It may also be a good time to check your AUP is up-to-date and reflects concerns around the creation and misuse of AI Tools. Guidance on AI AUP Considerations is available here: https://www.webwise.ie/aup-2/  

Remind and reassure young people that support and help is always available. Young people should always seek help and advice from a trusted adult (Parent/guardian, teacher). If you are aware that a young person is a victim, report it to An Garda Síochána, you can also make a report to hotline.ie. We would also recommend reporting any illegal content to the online platform where they saw it and to Coimisiún na Meán. Most social media platforms will have policies against intimate image abuse, including AI-generated sexual images and illegal content including child sexual abuse material. Schools dealing with any potential incidents can also see guidance on p.29 of the Lockers resource and refer to your safeguarding and child protection policies relevant to your school. Helpful considerations on dealing with incidents are also available from the eSafety Commissioner here: esafety.gov.au/deepfakes.

In addition to the advice above, it is always a good idea to check in regularly with your child and remind them that they can come talk to you if they are worried about anything. Here are some important talking points.  

• Talk about the risks of sharing images online and remind your teen that once we post something online we have very little control over what happens that image or video. It can also be easy to edit and manipulate images without our knowledge.  
• Talk about respect, trust and consent. Remind your teen it is never okay to generate, share images or post images of someone without their consent. Show respect for and look out for others online.  
• Be familiar with the apps and platforms your teens are using, and remind them to review privacy settings, understand the reporting tools and consider reducing follower contacts to close friends only. 
• Remind your child that no matter what, they can come to you with anything they are worried or concerned about something they encounter online. Support is also available from Childline.  
• Parents can also get advice from the National Parents Council Helpline
• Further advice and support for families is available from: webwise.ie/parents/ and ISPCC Digital Ready Hub. 

An Garda Síochána – garda.ie/en/  

Irish Internet Hotline – hotline.ie/  

Coimisiún na Meán – cnam.ie/report  

ISPCC Childline – ispcc.ie/  

National Parents Council – npc.ie/  

Disclaimer: Information contained in this article does not constitute legal advice. Schools and Parents/Guardians are advised to notify the Gardaí and seek specific legal advice when cases of this nature arise.