The German Justice Minister, Stefanie Hubig of the SPD, is spearheading a legislative push to curb the creation and dissemination of sexually explicit images generated by artificial intelligence, responding to a rising tide of concerns surrounding the exploitation of personal data and the objectification of women. Speaking to the “Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung”, Minister Hubig expressed deep concern over the recent “Bikini jetzt” trend, which utilizes AI tools like xAI’s Grok to generate provocative images of women without consent, systematically violating their personal rights.
The initiative follows a disturbing pattern of AI-driven image manipulation, with particular alarm raised over the creation of sexualized AI imagery featuring minors. While existing laws addressing child pornography offer potential avenues for prosecution, Hubig argues that the current legal framework is insufficient to grapple with the unique challenges posed by AI-generated content.
A key component of the plan involves drafting a digital protection against violence law, specifically targeting “deepfakes” that infringe upon personal rights. Proposed measures include stricter penalties for the creation and distribution of such manipulated images, focusing on those that degrade and demean individuals. Furthermore, the legislation aims to empower victims by streamlining the process for removing infringing content from online platforms and enabling the temporary suspension of accounts repeatedly used for serious legal violations.
Addressing potential criticisms that such measures constitute censorship or infringe on freedom of expression, Minister Hubig firmly rejected the comparison. She emphasized the legal primacy of personal rights and reiterated that freedom of expression is not absolute, particularly when it conflicts with the protection of individual dignity.
While acknowledging the approaches taken by countries like Indonesia and Malaysia to restrict access to certain AI software, Hubig stated that Germany would not pursue a strategy of blanket bans or platform shutdowns. The focus, she maintained, will remain on enforcing existing rights and protecting personal integrity. The Minister also highlighted the German government’s endorsement of the European Commission’s recent review of platforms like X and Grok, overseen by President Ursula von der Leyen, underlining the importance of a coordinated EU-wide response to the burgeoning threat of AI-driven exploitation. The planned legislative adjustments represent a significant attempt to navigate the complex intersection of technological advancement, personal rights and the evolving landscape of online content regulation.