A class photo is shared in a chat, a selfie ends up on social media. For many children, this is completely normal. And then suddenly a picture appears that never existed: a naked picture, but it has been technically manipulated. These are known as deep nudes. This can be extremely distressing for those affected. Many parents are unaware of this technology and only realize late on how quickly children can be affected by it.
Deepnudes are artificially generated nude images. They are created from real photos with the help of artificial intelligence. The AI analyzes existing images, digitally removes clothing and adds body parts to create a realistic impression. The image is completely invented.
The term originally comes from a specific program, but now stands for numerous AI-based applications that offer similar functions. Such services are often easily accessible, sometimes free of charge and can be used anonymously. It is particularly problematic that publicly accessible photos from social networks are sufficient for this purpose. Those affected often only find out about it when the image has already been distributed. By then, the damage is often already done.
Many children and young people grow up with AI applications as a matter of course. Filters, image editing and chatbots are part of their everyday lives. Tools for creating deepnudes are therefore sometimes perceived as a technical experiment without realizing the extent of the problem.
There are also developmental factors. Puberty is all about testing boundaries, belonging and making an impression. Some young people want to provoke, others adapt to peer pressure. They often lack an eye for the other side. That behind every picture is a real person with real feelings.
What’s more, deepnudes are not only created and distributed among young people. Third-party adults also use such AI tools to manipulate images of children, young people or adults. This poses an additional risk for those affected, as there is also a power imbalance, anonymity and possible criminal intent.
What begins as a joke or a test of courage can become very stressful for those affected.
Deep nudes are not a harmless trend. They are a form of digital, sexualized violence.
The feeling of powerlessness weighs particularly heavily. Many of those affected don’t know who they can turn to. Or don’t dare to say anything.
In Germany, the situation is clear: creating, possessing or distributing sexualized images of minors is punishable in the vast majority of cases. It does not matter whether the images are real or – as with deepnudes – artificially created. Personal rights, the right to one’s own image and data protection can also be violated, regardless of the age of the person depicted.
The consequences are difficult for children and young people to assess. What happens digitally sometimes feels less serious. This makes it all the more important for adults to provide guidance and clearly state responsibility.
Parents can’t prevent everything. But they can do a lot. Not through control, but through relationships.
Start the conversation early: Talk to your child about image manipulation, AI and deepnudes before anything happens. In an age-appropriate and calm manner. Explain that images can be altered online and why this is problematic.
Promote empathy: A change of perspective helps. Ask your child how they would feel if someone created or shared such a picture of them. This is often where understanding arises.
Take a clear stance: Make it clear that creating or forwarding such images is not fun, but a violation of boundaries. At the same time, children should know that mistakes are not met with anger, but with support.
Assure them of your support: Your child should be sure that they can turn to you at any time. Even if they are ashamed or unsure.
Act in an emergency: If your child is affected, stay calm and take it seriously. Save evidence such as screenshots or chat histories and report it to the police. But be careful with sexualized images of children and young people: It is a criminal offense to possess these. The Internet Complaints Office has summarized information on how to deal with these so-called depictions of abuse online in this PDF. Support is available from advice and reporting centers such as the Sexual Abuse Helpline and the Nummer gegen Kummer.
