‘Protect Us’ film wins prestigious award for international impact

15 May 2026

A powerful short film highlighting ways artificial intelligence (AI) is used to abuse and exploit children online has been recognised with a prestigious Smiley Charity Film Award. 

Our ‘Protect Us’ film won a gold award in the  ‘International Impact’ category in recognition of its compelling storytelling. The film explores how children are increasingly at risk of abuse and exploitation using AI, and why governments, technology companies, and civil society must work together to prevent harm.  

Based on real-life experiences of sexual extortion, nudification apps, and chatbots being used to exploit children, the film highlights the frightening nature of threats and the urgent need to create safer online environments for children everywhere. Click the play button below to watch the film:

Since the film was launched, it has been translated into several languages and has been shown on global stages to politicians, policymakers, tech experts and NGO leaders, sparking important conversations and building awareness. 

As digital platforms evolve and technologies such as generative AI reshape online spaces, the risks to children are significant and growing in scale, speed and complexity. The film illustrates these challenges, calling for safety‑by‑design approaches, responsible technology development and sustained political action. The film reinforces the crucial role platforms and product designers play in preventing abuse. and highlights the importance of coordinated responses that centre children’s rights and wellbeing. 

Baroness Joanna Shields OBE, WeProtect Founder and Board member was the writer, executive producer and driving force behind the film. She said: 

‘Protect Us’ was made because the scale of AI-enabled child abuse is staggering — and too few people know it. Storytelling has the power to change that. Watch it, share it, but please don’t look away.

The film was produced by media production company SHFT – Director Charlie Coopersmith, Producers Tom Dixon and Alex Horrox.