Europe takes first step to banning AI-generated child sexual abuse images

Europe Initiates Ban on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Images Under AI Act

EU Moves to Outlaw AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

By Foo Yun Chee

Background on the AI Act and Recent Developments

BRUSSELS, March 13 (Reuters) - Europe on Friday took the first step towards outlawing artificial intelligence practices which generate child sexual abuse material after EU governments proposed to add this provision to the bloc's landmark AI rules adopted two years ago.

Global Crackdown on AI-Generated Sexual Content

Governments and regulators from Europe to Asia are cracking down on sexually explicit content generated by Elon Musk's xAI chatbot Grok on X as well as sexually intimate deepfakes produced by Grok.

Ongoing Investigations by EU and National Watchdogs

EU tech regulators and national watchdogs in Britain, Ireland and Spain are currently investigating Grok's sexualised AI deepfakes.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

The EU countries will need the backing of the European Parliament before their proposal can be adopted. Lawmakers are scheduled to vote on their own similar proposition on Wednesday. 

Negotiations and Stakeholder Positions

Both sides have to stake out their positions on the matter and other issues ahead of negotiations on the European Commission's proposal to water down parts of the AI Act, a move welcomed by tech giants and some businesses but criticised by civic groups and privacy campaigners for bowing to Big Tech.

Timeline for Implementation

The discussions will likely take a year before any changes can be implemented.   

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)