Minister Smyth welcomes AI Act Ban on 'nudifier' apps

European Parliament and Council have this morning agreed to ban AI systems that create child sexual abuse material.

The ban will extend to AI systems that depict the intimate parts of an identifiable person, or them engaged in sexually explicit activities without that person’s consent.

The prohibition applies to placing AI systems on the EU market with the purpose of creating such content, placing them on the EU market without reasonable safety measures to prevent such creation and deployers using these systems for the purpose of creating such content.

The content in question can be images, video or audio.

Minister of State with Responsibility for Artificial Intelligence Niamh Smyth said the agreement marks a "pivotal" moment in the responsible regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Europe.

"I am particularly pleased that it expands the prohibited practices under the EU AI Act to include the generation of non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse material.

"These new prohibitions reflect our shared commitment to protecting the dignity and safety of individuals, especially children, as technology advances.

"Ireland, alongside fellow Member States, was a strong and determined advocate for this vital protection. Online safety remains a key priority for me and for this Government.

"As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we will continue to work with Member States on this very important issue.”