In a significant move to safeguard individuals from misuse of technology, EU member states and negotiators from the European Parliament have reached an agreement to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence applications for creating non-consensual sexualized deepfakes. The announcement was made by the Cypriot EU Council presidency early on Thursday.
In conjunction with this ban, plans to simplify existing regulations regarding artificial intelligence (AI) are underway, aiming to unleash the technology’s economic potential across Europe.
Before these changes can be implemented, they require formal ratification by both the European Parliament and the EU member states, a step generally regarded as a mere formality.
If approved, companies will have until December 2, 2026, to adapt their systems accordingly.
Deepfake technology allows for the insertion of a person’s face into a different video, such as a pornographic clip, or the artificial imitation of their voice, creating a false narrative about their actions or statements. Recent advancements in AI have made the production of such deceptive content increasingly accessible and convincing.
The proposed ban will also explicitly address the generation of materials depicting child sexual abuse, reinforcing the commitment to child protection.
Marilena Raouna, Cyprus’s deputy minister for European affairs, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “We are stepping up the protection of children by targeting risks linked to AI systems.”
It is worth noting that the non-consensual distribution of intimate or altered content, including deepfakes, was designated as a criminal form of cyber violence within the EU in 2024.
This agreement marks a pivotal step toward regulating emerging technologies while prioritizing individual rights and safety. As the landscape of digital content continues to evolve, the EU’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to ethical standards in technology.
