Global privacy regulators warn against non-consensual AI-generated images
Over 60 international data protection authorities, including regulators from the UK, Hong Kong, EU, Canada, and others, issued a joint statement warning about AI-generated intimate and harmful images created without consent. The statement particularly highlighted concerns about harms to children and vulnerable groups, and called on organizations to implement safeguards and removal mechanisms.
What happened
Over 60 international data protection authorities, including the UK's Information Commissioner's Office and Hong Kong's Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, issued a joint statement on February 23, 2026, warning about non-consensual AI-generated images.
The authorities noted that AI image and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms has enabled creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other harmful content featuring real individuals. The PCPD previously contacted xAI over its AI chatbot Grok after netizens used it to create indecent content from photos or videos of real women and children.
Reported impact
The authorities expressed particular concern about potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups, including cyber-bullying and exploitation.
Index analysis
The co-signatories included organizations from Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
Governance controls
The authorities called on organizations developing or using AI systems to implement robust safeguards from the outset to prevent misuse of personal information and generation of non-consensual intimate imagery, particularly where children are depicted.
The statement urged organizations to provide effective and accessible mechanisms for people to request removal of AI-generated intimate or harmful images.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.