UK data privacy regulators raises safety concerns, warn against AI-generated images

Britain's privacy watchdog published a joint statement with dozens of international authorities on Monday, setting out concerns over images generated by artificial intelligence that depict identifiable individuals without their consent.

"We call on organizations to engage proactively with regulators, implement robust safeguards from the outset, and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, or safety," the statement published by the Information Commissioner’s Office said.

The ICO added the signatories are especially concerned about potential harms to children and proactive compliance and safeguards.

Protecting Privacy and Dignity:

The signatories are especially concerned about potential harms to children, the ICO added.

Additionally, Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has joined 60 other overseas authorities in warning against non-consensual AI-generated images depicting individuals, including children and other vulnerable groups.

The co-signatories included organizations from Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

“While artificial intelligence AI can bring meaningful benefits for individuals and society, recent developments—particularly AI image and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms—have enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other harmful content featuring real individuals,” the joint statement reads.

“We are especially concerned about potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups, such as cyber-bullying and/or exploitation.”

The co-signatories also urged organizations developing or using AI systems to “implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and the generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are depicted.”