Europe bans AI apps that digitally undress women

The European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement to ban so-called “nudify” apps. These AI tools generate realistic nude images of real people without their consent, often using ordinary photos taken from social media. “This agreement is a necessary step in tackling digital abuse,” says MEP Assita Kanko.

“Nudify AI has no place in our digital rule-of-law society”

For MEP Assita Kanko, the ban on “nudify” systems is the most important measure in the newly approved AI Omnibus package. “With this agreement, we are finally taking action against apps that digitally strip women and girls,” she says. “These apps steal your face, place it onto a naked body, and spread the image as if it were real. Women and girls are the primary targets, but young people, journalists, and activists are affected as well.”

Assita Kanko stresses that digital sexual humiliation is not a marginal issue, but a genuine form of abuse with real-life consequences for victims. “When your face is misused in fake nude images, the damage is real — to your reputation, your safety, and your mental health.”

More legal certainty and predictability for businesses

Alongside the ban, several simplification measures for businesses were also approved. The aim is to provide greater clarity around rules for high-risk AI systems and reduce administrative burdens for smaller companies. “A small step for businesses, but a giant leap for women,” Kanko concludes. “We must continue simplifying regulation in the spirit of the Draghi report.”

The ban will take effect on 2 December, although the European Parliament still needs to formally approve the agreement.