The EU Commission had previously presented a controversial draft legislation in May 2022, which proposed the mandatory use of automated technologies by digital services to detect and report CSA material and grooming activity. The new proposal comes amid increased attention to the risks of deepfakes and AI-generated imagery, and the challenges they pose for law enforcement in identifying genuine victims. The Commission aims to reduce online CSA and exploitation, and address differences in Member States' legal frameworks that hinder action against abuse.
Key takeaways:
- The European Union is planning to criminalize AI-generated imagery and deepfakes depicting child sexual abuse (CSA), as well as the possession and exchange of "pedophile manuals".
- The Commission is also proposing a new criminal offense for livestreaming child sexual abuse and is aiming to increase prevention measures and support for victims.
- The proposal includes changes to mandatory reporting of offenses and is part of a wider package of measures to combat CSA, including the controversial CSAM-scanning plan.
- The Commission has identified the increased online presence of children and technological developments as areas creating new opportunities for CSA, and is concerned about differences in Member States' legal frameworks hindering action against abuse.