Dutch Authorities Call for Complete EU Ban on AI Nudify Apps Without Exceptions

Supervisory authorities, the police and the Public Prosecution Service are calling for a European ban on ‘AI nudify apps and websites’

01 April 2026 Themes: Visual material Police, special investigation services and judicial authorities Smartphone and apps EU AI Act The Netherlands Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), the Authority for Online Terrorist and Child Pornographic Material (ATKM), the Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens (AP), the Dutch data protection authority, the Dutch Media Authority, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) and the police have expressed their support for a European ban on nudify tools. According to current plans, however, these apps are still permitted if someone gives consent for creating nude images. Supervisory authorities, the police and the Public Prosecution Service want this ban to be without exceptions, as this would hinder an effective approach to these tools.

Nudify tools are apps and websites that can be used for digitally undressing people in photos. The images are often used to blackmail or extort victims or force them to send sexually explicit images of themselves. Supervisory authorities, the police and the Public Prosecution Service are deeply concerned about this because of the severe impact on victims.

Recently, they jointly investigated how these tools can be addressed using existing powers. All legal options were explored. Under current legislation, action can primarily be taken against individual perpetrators who create and distribute such images. This does not provide a structural solution to the underlying problem.

Monique Verdier, Vice-Chair of the Dutch DPA: ‘There are currently no options for taking action against nudify tools. That is why the plans for a European ban are a step in the right direction. But these plans do not go far enough. We call for a complete ban on nudify tools. Including in cases where the person in the image is said to have given consent for creating such images. If this does not happen, such a ban will add little to the current, inadequate regulations.’

What the ban will look like exactly and when it will come into force is not yet clear. This is still being negotiated in Europe. In the meantime, the joint supervisory authorities, the police and the Public Prosecution Service are obviously taking their responsibilities seriously by enforcing the law within the current framework and working closely together in doing so.