Today’s 2-Minute UK AI Brief

12 November 2025

TL;DR — New UK legislation will enable tech companies and child safety agencies to test AI tools for their potential to create child abuse images.

Why it matters

Explainer

The UK government has announced new legislation that empowers tech companies and child safety agencies to evaluate the capabilities of artificial intelligence tools in generating child abuse images. This move comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material have surged from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025. The legislation is designed to ensure that AI models are equipped with safeguards to prevent their misuse. By working closely with the AI industry and child protection organizations, the government aims to create a framework that not only addresses current issues but also anticipates future challenges posed by AI technology. This initiative highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations, such as children.

Sources: go.theregister.com ukri.org theguardian.com gov.uk

uk-law child-safety ai-regulation technology safeguarding