Global privacy and data protection regulators have issued a joint statement warning that artificial intelligence (AI) systems capable of generating realistic images and videos pose growing risks to privacy, safety and individual rights, particularly when used without consent.
The statement, coordinated by the Global Privacy Assembly’s International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group and released February 23, highlights concerns about AI tools that can create or manipulate images depicting identifiable people. Regulators said the rapid spread of image and video generation tools — especially those integrated into widely used social media platforms — has enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions and other harmful content.
The co-signatories stressed that while AI can offer significant societal benefits, organizations developing and deploying AI content generation systems must comply with existing privacy and data protection laws. The statement notes that the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery may constitute a criminal offense in many jurisdictions and called on companies to implement strong safeguards to prevent misuse.
Among the expectations outlined by regulators are clear transparency about AI capabilities and limits, accessible removal mechanisms for individuals harmed by AI-generated content, and enhanced protections for children and vulnerable groups. Regulators also emphasized the need for rapid responses when harmful content is reported.
The statement frames the issue as a global challenge requiring coordinated action. Signatories said they intend to share enforcement approaches, policy strategies and educational efforts to address emerging risks associated with AI-generated imagery. The collaboration reflects what regulators described as a shared commitment to balancing innovation with protections for privacy, dignity and safety.
More than 50 data protection authorities and privacy regulators from around the world signed the declaration, including agencies from Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The group concluded by urging organizations to proactively engage with regulators and embed safeguards early in development to ensure technological advances do not come at the expense of fundamental rights.
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