EU Parliament Approves Ban on Abusive AI Applications

The EU Parliament voted on June 18, 2026, in Strasbourg, with an overwhelming majority for a ban on AI applications that can be used to create manipulated sexual representations. This decision is part of a broader legislative initiative aimed at regulating the misuse of artificial intelligence and protecting citizens' rights. The vote took place during a session in which parliamentarians discussed the dangers of deepfake technologies. These technologies enable the creation of realistic-looking videos and images, often produced without the consent of the individuals depicted.

Parliamentarians emphasized that such applications not only violate privacy but can also lead to serious legal and social consequences. The new regulation stipulates that providers of AI technologies used for creating such content will be subject to strict requirements. These include the obligation to implement security measures to prevent the misuse of their technologies. The EU Commission will be tasked with developing guidelines to monitor compliance with these regulations. A central concern of the parliamentarians was the protection of particularly vulnerable groups, including women and children, who are often targets of such abusive applications.

Members pointed out that the use of deepfakes in pornography and other sensitive areas can lead to further stigmatization and discrimination. The vote was welcomed by various human rights organizations that emphasize the need for a legal framework to combat abuse and discrimination through AI technologies. These organizations have long called for measures to protect the rights of those affected and to increase the accountability of technology providers. The adoption of the ban is part of a larger trend in the EU aimed at tightening the regulation of artificial intelligence. In 2021, the EU Commission had already proposed a comprehensive AI regulation aimed at identifying and minimizing risks associated with AI applications.

The current decision by the Parliament is another step towards stricter regulation. Parliamentarians have also stressed that the technology industry has a responsibility to ensure that its products are not used for harmful purposes. The new regulations are intended to help strike a balance between innovation and the protection of citizens' rights. The EU plans to implement the new regulations into national law by the end of 2026. The discussion on the regulation of AI technologies is expected to intensify in the coming months.

Experts warn that without clear guidelines and regulations, the misuse of technologies like deepfakes could continue to increase. The EU will therefore continue to work on developing standards to ensure integrity and security in the digital space. The adoption of the ban is a significant step in European policy to combat abuse through artificial intelligence. The EU aims to establish comprehensive regulation for AI applications by 2027 that promotes innovation while protecting citizens' rights. The vote in Parliament was passed with a majority of 85%, highlighting the broad support for the new regulations among the members.