Berlin: Germany is preparing new legal measures to tackle the misuse of artificial intelligence tools that manipulate images and harm people’s rights, following growing concern over the spread of non consensual and abusive content online.
The justice ministry said the planned steps will focus on AI generated images that violate personal dignity, including manipulated photos used for harassment or abuse. The move comes after investigations showed that some AI tools were being used to create explicit images of women and minors without their consent.
Government officials said existing laws are not always sufficient to deal with the speed and scale at which such images are created and shared. The new measures are expected to strengthen criminal law and improve protections for victims of what authorities describe as digital violence.
Germany’s media minister has also called for action at the European level, warning that AI image manipulation could turn into an organised form of online sexual harassment if left unchecked.
The issue gained attention after reports linked misuse of image generation features in AI chatbots connected to social media platforms. In response to criticism, the companies involved said they have restricted image generation tools and warned users that illegal use could lead to legal consequences.
While the government has outlined its intentions, no draft law has yet been published. The justice ministry said detailed proposals will be presented in the coming weeks, including clearer definitions of illegal AI image manipulation and possible penalties.
Germany’s move is part of a wider debate across Europe on how to regulate fast developing AI technologies, especially where they pose risks to privacy, safety, and fundamental rights.