EU to Ban 'Undressing Apps' and Other Harmful AI Systems

The European Union (EU) is set to ban so-called "undressing apps" – artificial intelligence (AI) tools that generate intimate images or sexually explicit content without a person's consent. The ban stems from amendments to the Artificial Intelligence Act approved by the European Parliament (EP).

As announced by EP press secretary in Latvia, Kristīne Liepiņa, the new regulation will ban AI systems that produce materials depicting child sexual abuse or non-consensual intimate images (so-called undressing apps). The prohibition covers realistic depictions of identifiable persons' intimate body parts or unequivocally sexual activities without that person's consent.

Providers will not be allowed to place such AI systems on the EU market unless they have appropriate technical safeguards to prevent the generation of prohibited content. Companies have until December 2 of next year to adapt their systems.

The AI Act amendments also include other changes. For instance, overlapping requirements for AI in machinery products are removed – such systems will only need to meet sector-specific safety standards, provided an equivalent level of protection is ensured. The definition of "safety component" is clarified: products with AI features that merely assist users or optimize performance will not automatically be classified as high-risk if their malfunction does not pose health or safety risks.

Additionally, the amendments allow personal data processing when necessary to detect and correct bias in AI systems, subject to appropriate safeguards. This will apply to both high-risk and lower-risk AI systems.

To enter into force, the rules still need formal approval by the EU Council. Most AI Act requirements will apply starting August 2, 2026.