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On 23 February 2026, data protection authorities (“DPAs”) across the globe published a Joint Statement on AI-generated imagery.
The Joint Statement represents the united position of 61 DPAs and has been issued in response to serious concerns about artificial intelligence (“AI”) systems capable of generating images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge or consent. The Joint Statement notes particular concern about the potential risks to children and other vulnerable groups, including the possibility of cyber-bullying and exploitation.
The DPAs acknowledge that AI technologies can bring meaningful benefits for individuals and society, but note that AI images and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms have enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory content and other materials that may harm individuals.
Expectations for Organisations
The Joint Statement reminds all organizations developing or using AI content generation systems that they must comply with applicable laws, including data protection and privacy rules. The DPAs warn organisations that non-consensual intimate imagery may constitute a criminal offence in many jurisdictions.
Whilst legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, the Joint Statement identifies a number of fundamental principles that should guide all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems, including:
- Implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are concerned.
- Address specific risks for children through enhanced safeguards to mitigate risks, and ensure that clear, age-appropriate information is available for children, parents, guardians and educators.
- Establish effective and accessible removal mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content involving their personal information, with a commitment to respond rapidly to such requests.
- Ensure meaningful transparency about AI system capabilities, what safeguards are in place, acceptable use and the consequences of misuse.
Coordinated Response
To address the harms arising from the non-consensual generation of intimate, defamatory or otherwise harmful content, the co-signatories have committed to sharing information on their approaches to addressing these concerns that can include enforcement, policy, and education, as appropriate. The DPAs call on organisations to engage proactively with regulators, implement robust safeguards from the outset, and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, safety, and other fundamental rights.
Read the Joint Statement here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
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