The Federal Trade Commission is encouraging parents to talk with children about deepfakes, consent and what to do when an intimate image appears online. Its October 1 consumer alert focuses on conversations families can have before a problem occurs as well as steps to take if one does.
Start with boundaries and a trusted adult
The FTC advises children not to share explicit images, including altered images, even as a joke. It also suggests talking about respect for other people’s boundaries and asking before sharing material involving someone else. Children should know they can tell a parent or another trusted adult if they see an explicit image of themselves or someone they know online, or if anyone asks them to send one.
For parents, a useful first step is to make that conversation calm and repeatable. Ask which apps a child uses, explain that manipulated images can look convincing and agree in advance on whom they can approach for help. The FTC’s alert provides the official wording and further resources.
If an image is shared
The FTC directs families to TakeItDown.ftc.gov for information and support if someone shares or threatens to share an explicit image of a child. Its alert says covered platforms must provide a removal request process. Families can use that process and the FTC’s resources rather than recirculating the image while seeking help.
This is a practical safety issue for families and technology users. See AskNovus’s Everyday Life coverage for more consumer guidance.
Source
FTC consumer alert on parents, children, deepfakes and online safety, displayed October 1, 2026.
Image: illustrative family photo by Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash.