The European Union (EU) has announced plans to update its legislation to criminalize the creation and dissemination of AI-generated imagery, including deepfakes, depicting child sexual abuse (CSA). The proposed measures also include the criminalization of livestreaming child sexual abuse and the possession and exchange of "pedophile manuals."
The updated legislation aims to modernize existing rules dating back to 2011 and addresses the challenges posed by technological advancements. It seeks to enhance prevention of CSA by increasing awareness of online risks, facilitating victim reporting, and providing support, including the right to financial compensation.
The proposal follows a separate draft legislation introduced in May 2022, which aimed to establish a framework requiring digital services to use automated technologies to detect and report CSA material and grooming activity targeting children.
The EU's decision to prioritize addressing CSA through digital messaging platforms has faced criticism, with some lawmakers arguing for a broader approach to combatting the complex societal problem. However, the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated imagery has prompted lawmakers to revisit the rules to address emerging risks.
The proposal aims to reduce impunity for online child sexual abuse and exploitation and addresses the challenges faced by law enforcement authorities in identifying genuine victims amidst synthetic content.
The Commission's impact assessment highlighted the increased online presence of children and technological developments as factors contributing to new opportunities for CSA. The proposal seeks to improve efforts to prevent CSA and assist victims, addressing differences in member states' legal frameworks.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, emphasized the importance of effective legal tools to rescue children and bring perpetrators to justice, aligning with commitments made in the EU Strategy for a more effective fight against Child sexual abuse.
The proposal encourages member states to invest in awareness-raising initiatives to address online safety risks for children. The final shape of the proposals will be determined by the EU's co-legislators, the Parliament and Council.
Once agreed upon, the amended directive on combating CSA would enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU, according to the Commission.
