EU Parliament to criminalise AI-generated child abuse material

EU lawmakers have voted by a landslide to criminalise AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM), in one of the strongest cross-party agreements seen in recent years. The new directive also targets grooming, sextortion, livestreamed abuse, and aims to harmonise age of consent laws and legal definitions across the EU.

The European Parliament backed the proposal with 599 votes in favour, two against, and 62 abstentions. Lead MEP Jeroen Lenaers said AI-generated abuse material would be treated the same as real CSAM, noting its production often relies on real abuse content and may escalate to actual offences.

A recent study by Protect Children found links between viewing such material and contact abuse, with over half of respondents fearing it could lead to real-life actions.

Tech firms and child safety groups welcomed the move. Dot Europe and Eclag issued a joint statement supporting joint efforts to combat online abuse. The law must now go through final negotiations with the Council and Commission.

via Euronews

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