EU launches team to police AI deepfakes and cyber risks

The European Union has introduced a new Brussels-based team to oversee AI companies worldwide as it begins enforcing one of the technology sector’s most assertive regulatory frameworks. The effort is aimed at tracking violations involving sexually explicit material, fake photos and videos, and cyber threats to public infrastructure.

The AI Act takes effect on Sunday and will require companies to clearly inform consumers when chatbots or images are generated with AI, using labels or digital watermarks. EU tech sovereignty chief Henna Virkkunen said enforcement is intended to support AI that people and businesses can understand and trust, while ensuring its benefits are widely shared.

The European Commission said the rules also cover systemic risks from AI, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, loss of control, cyber offence, harmful manipulation and threats to fundamental rights.