EU governments back proposal to ban AI systems generating sexualised deepfakes and child sexual abuse material

First covered Friday, March 13, 2026Technology & SocietyWell-covered

The Facts

EU member states backed a proposal to amend the EU AI Act to prohibit AI practices related to generating non-consensual sexual or intimate content (including sexualised deepfakes) and child sexual abuse material.
European ambassadors agreed on the prohibition, according to a spokesperson for Cyprus, which holds the EU’s rotating presidency.
The EU countries’ proposal requires the backing of the European Parliament before it can be adopted.
EU lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a related proposal in committee on Wednesday.
The policy push comes amid scrutiny of sexually explicit content and sexualised deepfakes associated with Elon Musk’s xAI chatbot Grok on X.
Regulators or watchdogs in Britain, Ireland, and Spain are investigating Grok’s sexualised AI deepfakes, according to reporting.

Context

What exactly would the EU ban cover in this proposal?

The agreed language would prohibit AI practices used to generate non-consensual sexual or intimate content (including sexualised deepfakes) and child sexual abuse material. news24 France 24

Is the ban already in force?

No. EU member states have backed a negotiating position, but the change would still need approval from the European Parliament as part of the process to amend the AI Act. CNA news24

Why is Grok mentioned in coverage of this proposal?

Reports say the proposal follows backlash over sexualised deepfakes and sexually explicit content generated by xAI’s Grok on X, and that watchdogs in Britain, Ireland, and Spain are investigating Grok-related sexualised deepfakes. CNA France 24

The receipts — all 18 sources

Wire services (2)

ReutersGlobal Banking & Finance ReviewEU Moves to Ban AI-Generated Child Abuse Images Under New AI...

AFPCourt House News ServiceX offers changes to blue checks in EU

Independent coverage (16)

Kronen ZeitungStrengere KI-Regeln sollen später kommen

IT News zu den Themen Künstliche Intelligenz, Roboter und Maschinelles Lernen - IT BOLTWISE® x Artificial IntelligenceEU verschiebt EinfÃ¼hrung strengerer KI-Regeln auf 2027

newsORF.atStrengere KI-Regeln sollen später kommen

Economic TimesEurope takes first step to banning AI-generated child sexual...

dpa InternationalEU countries agree to adopt stricter AI rules 16 months late...

IT News zu den Themen Künstliche Intelligenz, Roboter und Maschinelles Lernen - IT BOLTWISE® x Artificial IntelligenceEU verschiebt striktere KI-Regeln auf 2027

finanzen.atEU-Staaten einig: Strengere KI-Regeln sollen später kommen

CashEU-Staaten einig: Strengere KI-Regeln sollen später kommen

finanzen.chEU-Staaten einig: Strengere KI-Regeln sollen später kommen

CNAEurope takes first step to banning AI-generated child sexual...

therecord.mediaEuropean Council includes ban on nudification tools in its p...

Anadolu AjansıEU moves to ban AI-generated non-consensual sexual deepfakes

news24EU to ban AI from generating sexualised deepfakes after Grok...

France 24EU backs ban on AI generating sexualised deepfakes after Gro...

Owensboro Messenger-InquirerEU states back ban on AI generating sexualised deepfakes

KULR-8 Local NewsEU states back ban on AI generating sexualised deepfakes

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