EU targets AI deepfakes of women after Lena press conference

The European Union is drafting legislation specifically criminalizing non-consensual AI-generated imagery depicting women, following public outcry over deepfake content linked to a recent press conference involving an individual identified as Lena. According to reports from NewSmart.ch, the proposed measures aim to close enforcement gaps in existing AI Act provisions regarding gender-based digital violence. EU officials allege current frameworks lack sufficient penalties for creators and distributors of synthetic media targeting women. The initiative responds to growing civil society pressure demanding stricter consent requirements for generative AI training data and outputs. While specific legislative text remains unpublished, sources indicate potential mandates for platform detection systems and victim support mechanisms. Industry stakeholders have not yet issued formal responses to the reported proposals. The development signals expanding EU regulatory focus beyond general AI safety toward targeted protection against technology-facilitated abuse.