Hungary pushes for child sexual abuse material regulation amid AI debate

Hungary is actively working towards establishing regulations to combat child sexual abuse material, aiming for a general approach by October. A detailed proposal is expected to be presented soon, with the European Commission set to provide its opinion by September 30. This initiative comes amid ongoing discussions about the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the EU, highlighting the intersection of child protection and technological advancements. In parallel, the European Commission is engaging in direct collaboration with California legislators, who have recently approved a new AI bill. This bill is anticipated to strengthen and complement the EU's existing AI regulations, indicating a transatlantic effort to address the challenges posed by AI technologies. Additionally, the EU is witnessing significant developments in data protection and privacy, as evidenced by the Dutch data protection authority's substantial fine against Clearview AI for misusing facial recognition data. This reflects a growing concern over the ethical implications of AI and data usage, prompting civil society organizations to call for a comprehensive EU-wide spyware ban. As the EU, UK, US, and Israel sign the world’s first AI Treaty, these regulatory efforts underscore the urgency of establishing frameworks that not only protect individuals from exploitation but also ensure that technological innovations are developed responsibly. The convergence of these issues illustrates the complex landscape of digital regulation in Europe, where child safety and AI governance are increasingly intertwined.