The key facts
- A child protection organisation in Sharjah has warned about the use of AI-generated images to bully and blackmail children
- A child can become a victim of blackmail even without posting their own photos
- Creating and distributing such images is a criminal offence under UAE law; fines range from 250,000 to 500,000 dirhams
A warning from Sharjah
The Child Safety Organisation, part of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, has urged parents to take a more active role in their children's digital lives and to report abuse. As The National reports, according to the organisation, artificial intelligence makes it easier to create fake explicit images of children, which are used for bullying, harassment, exploitation and blackmail. Even if an image is fabricated — that is, generated and not reflecting reality — the harm to a child's mental health, relationships and sense of security can be significant.
Who becomes a victim and how it manifests
The organisation stressed that a child can become a victim of blackmail even if they have never shared their own photos — it is enough for a perpetrator to create a fake image. Children targeted by manipulated images may experience humiliation, anxiety and social isolation, and sometimes fear going to school. In some cases, extortionists demand money or further compliance in exchange for not distributing the content. The organisation cited sudden changes in behaviour as warning signs: withdrawal, avoiding communication with family and friends, and distress when receiving messages. At the same time, according to the organisation, protecting children does not mean giving up posting photos or using digital platforms — it is about being more careful in choosing what is posted and who has access: checking privacy settings, restricting access to personal photos, and refraining from posting information about the child's school, location and daily routine.
Recommendations and the organisation's leadership position
The organisation's director general, Dr Hanadi Al Yafei, stated that the rapid development of technology increases the responsibility of families and institutions to ensure children understand digital risks. In her words, creating or distributing manipulated images of children for humiliation or threats cannot be dismissed as a joke, given the psychological and social consequences. Responsibility for the abuse lies entirely with the perpetrator, she emphasised. If harassment or blackmail occurs, the priority is to protect the child, stop the abuse and provide a safe environment in which they can talk about what happened without fear of blame or punishment.
What parents should do if they suspect blackmail
The organisation outlined a course of action for families: calm the child down and make it clear that they are not at fault; do not give in to threats and demands; preserve evidence — usernames, links, threatening messages — before reporting. Parents should not download or forward explicit content depicting children: for advice on safely preserving evidence, they should turn to the official authorities. Next, report the malicious content to the platform and the authorities; if classmates are involved, engage with the school; and, if necessary, consider psychological support. Suspected child abuse or exploitation can be reported via the hotline 800 700, which operates throughout the UAE.
Legal liability
The organisation reminded that using AI to manipulate images of children in order to cause harm, defame, threaten or blackmail is a criminal offence under UAE law. Altering or processing images to defame or harm another person carries a prison sentence of at least one year and a fine of 250,000 to 500,000 dirhams (approximately 68,073–136,147 US dollars). Online blackmail or threats intended to force a person to act or refrain from acting carry two years in prison and a fine in the same range, and in more serious cases the sentence can reach 10 years. Producing, publishing and distributing explicit material involving children is also a criminal offence.
