UK police forces and online safety watchdogs are advising parents to be careful when sharing back-to-school photos on social media, as artificial intelligence (AI) tools can use details in images to cause harm. Recent warnings come after a campaign by Sussex Police, which showed how everyday family photos can be used to create fake, harmful images. Experts say that even small details like street signs, house numbers, license plates, or names on uniforms can reveal a family’s exact location and daily routines. Detective Inspector Tom Lowe from Guernsey Police explained that the goal is not to stop parents from sharing happy moments but to help them recognize hidden risks before posting online. He told the BBC that social media platforms make it easier for people with harmful intentions to collect personal information. A single photo can contain many small details that can be tracked and combined over time to identify a person or their family. A joint advisory from data protection authorities in Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man emphasized that AI has made it much easier to misuse photos shared online. Brent Homan, Guernsey’s data protection commissioner, warned that AI-generated deepfakes—fake images or videos that appear real—are no longer just a concern for celebrities or politicians but are increasingly affecting ordinary people. Rachel Masterton, deputy data protection officer at the Office of the Data Protection Authority (ODPA), noted that even minor details, like a parent's name on a coffee cup, can be used to manipulate a child’s trust. She also pointed out that posting photos of children going to school can signal to burglars that a home is empty, and background details might expose private passwords. These warnings come as concerns about AI’s impact grow, especially after reports of a sharp increase in AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Recent UK laws now criminalize certain AI tools that can alter images, such as those used to create explicit content. Internet Matters, a child safety organization, advised parents to check their social media privacy settings before posting and to remove or crop identifying elements like backgrounds, school logos, and street signs. They also warned against sharing "chalkboard stats"—such as a child’s age, school year, or favorite activities—as these can give bad actors detailed information about a family. Authorities encourage parents to share milestones but stress the importance of removing any identifying details before posting online.