New EU team to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit images and hacking

The European Union has launched a new team to regulate AI companies globally, implementing one of the most stringent measures yet for the tech sector. This initiative, effective as the EU's AI Act comes into force on Sunday, aims to address concerns about the risks posed by advanced AI. The team will monitor AI models for violations of the new regulations, including the creation and distribution of sexually explicit material, deepfakes, and cyber threats to public infrastructure. AI companies will be mandated to clearly label AI-generated content, such as chatbots and imagery, through visible labels or digital watermarks to inform consumers.

The European Union has launched a new team in Brussels to regulate AI companies globally, implementing some of the most stringent rules faced by the tech sector. Effective Sunday, the EU's AI Act will require companies to label AI-generated content and address systemic risks posed by AI, including threats to public infrastructure and fundamental rights. This initiative is part of the EU's "tech sovereignty" strategy, aiming to foster trust in AI and increase the bloc's independence from major tech powers. The EU's AI Office will expand with 38 additional staff to monitor AI companies, and violations of the AI Act can result in fines or market access restrictions. This move follows recent AI safety failures and aims to balance technological advancement with risk mitigation.