International Data Protection Authorities Joint Statement on AI Imagery Risks

Sixty-one international data protection authorities, including the ICO, have jointly issued a statement addressing the significant privacy risks posed by AI-generated imagery. The statement highlights concerns regarding the creation of realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge or consent, with a particular focus on potential harms to children. It emphasizes the need for responsible innovation that prioritizes people's identity, dignity, and safety, and calls for meaningful safeguards to ensure autonomy, transparency, and control in AI systems.

While this statement is non-binding, it signals a united global regulatory stance and sets expectations for developers and deployers of AI technology. Regulated entities, particularly those involved in AI development or deployment that generates imagery, should review the joint statement to understand the expressed concerns and ensure their practices align with the principles of data protection and responsible innovation. The ICO has indicated that action will be taken where obligations are not met, suggesting potential future enforcement if risks are not adequately mitigated.