The Risks of “Sharenting” in the Era of AI and Deepfakes

This morning, my husband suggested we delete the Instagram accounts he created for our kids when they were born. We started them to make sharing photos with family and friends easier, and the accounts have always been private. But, like many parents in 2025, we’re reexamining social media decisions that previously made sense. 

The era of artificial intelligence (AI) — particularly the corresponding explosion of deepfakes — has changed the calculation when it comes to “sharenting.” 

What is sharenting? 

Sharenting is a mash-up of “sharing” and “parenting” and is used to describe when parents post news, images, or videos of their children on social media, especially when it’s done excessively. 

What are AI deepfakes?

Deepfakes are images or recordings that have been digitally manipulated using AI to make it appear as if someone did or said something they didn’t. Especially concerning for kids are nudify apps, which can transform a clothed photo into a nude at the press of a button. Some apps even create pornographic animations. 

What are the risks of sharenting in the era of AI deepfakes? 

Here are four potential dangers of sharing about your child online in the era of AI: 

1. Fake images and videos. Pictures of your child can be used to create AI-generated images and videos that depict them doing or saying something that didn’t happen, including nude images and pornographic animations. 
2. Scams. Criminologists warn that sharing photos and videos of children can expose sensitive biometric data which can be used in scams. For example, using AI, a photo of your child’s palm can be turned into fake fingerprints, and their voice can be cloned from videos. 
3. Predators. In addition to using AI to create child sexual abuse imagery, some predators use it to identify potential victims and then analyze information online about them in order to best exploit their vulnerabilities. They also use deepfakes to pose as a peer or impersonate a trusted adult to gain access to a victim. 
4. Identity theft. Similar to scams, criminals could potentially use what you share online about your child to piece together enough information to steal their identity. 

How do I decide what’s okay to post about my child online? 

Considering the risks, you might decide to never post anything online about your child. If you’re like me and aren’t willing to go quite that far, here are five things to consider when deciding whether to post or not.  

1. Weigh the benefits versus the risks

Ask yourself what benefit you or your child will gain from the post and if the potential risk is worth it to you. Everyone’s calculations are different, and we all have our own risk tolerance, so this is a decision only you can make. 

2. Consider alternative avenues for sharing

Group iMessage threads or WhatsApp chats are great for sharing updates about your child with family and friends without posting on social media. 

3. Practice risk reduction efforts

If you choose to post about your child online, here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk: 

• Make your account private. A private account doesn’t guarantee that someone who follows you won’t act in bad faith. After all, how well do you really know your 1,500 “friends” on Instagram? But it’s certainly less risky than posting on a public account.
• No faces. Even though my Instagram is private, when I post photos of my kids to all my followers, I make sure their backs are turned or their faces are obscured. 
• Use a Close Friends list. For instances where you want to show your child’s face or share something a little more personal, consider using the Close Friends feature on Instagram and Facebook, or the Private Stories option on Snapchat to curate who can see the post. My personal litmus test for who makes it onto my Close Friends group is if I would feel comfortable sharing pictures of my child in person with the individual. 

4. Involve your children in the decision

Especially as they get older, it’s valuable to ask your child before you post about them. This empowers them to have control over their digital footprint, and it helps them learn the valuable skill of pausing before posting. 

5. Be transparent

Talk to your children about what you post and let them in on your thought process. Not only will it give you pause to consider your choice, but it will also teach them critical thinking skills they can use when they have their own accounts. 

In short

The era of AI has made sharing about our kids online much riskier. Deepfakes, nudifying apps, and increased avenues for predators are just a few of the dangers that artificial intelligence has introduced. Parents need to consider the potential threats before posting about their child online and take steps to minimize the risk, such as using private accounts and Close Friends lists. 

While it’s important to be mindful of what you post, it’s even more critical to keep an eye on your child’s activity online. BrightCanary can help you do just that. AI has introduced new risks to kids online, but at BrightCanary, we’ve harnessed the technology for good, using it to monitor your child’s activity online and alert you to any red flags. Download the app today to get started.