European Union lawmakers influential in shaping amendments to Europe’s Artificial Intelligence Act voiced support today for a ban on AI applications that create unauthorized sexually explicit images. They urged that the bloc’s landmark AI rules, agreed upon two years ago, be updated to explicitly prohibit such technology.
Last week, EU member states voted in favor of a similar proposal ahead of negotiations between EU lawmakers and national governments over the European Commission’s plan to soften parts of the AI Act. The move aims to ensure Europe remains competitive in the global technology race without sacrificing fundamental rights and safety.
The European Parliament is set to vote on the proposal on March 26. Afterward, EU lawmakers and national governments will need to reconcile their positions before any changes proposed by the European Commission can be implemented.
“I believe a proposal to ban so-called ‘nudification’ apps is something our citizens expect from co-legislators,” said Irish parliamentarian Michael McNamara, who is leading the talks with EU countries.
The push for stricter rules follows a wave of concern across Europe and Asia after AI chatbot Grok, developed by xAI—Elon Musk’s company—generated sexually explicit content and intimate deepfakes. The incidents have prompted regulators and governments to consider tougher oversight of generative AI tools.
In addition, EU lawmakers voted to postpone certain regulations on high-risk AI systems until December 2, 2026. They cited concerns that key technical standards may not be finalized until August 2026, which could create uncertainty for companies operating in the bloc. The decision aligns with the position of EU member states, who have warned that rushing implementation could harm innovation and compliance efforts.
As the debate continues, the EU is under pressure to strike a balance between fostering technological advancement and protecting citizens from emerging AI-driven harms. The outcome of the upcoming votes and negotiations will likely set a precedent for how democracies regulate powerful generative AI tools worldwide.
Source: UOL
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