AI-Generated Deepfake Images Target Belgian Royals and Politicians

Thumbnail Image

The information displayed in the AIM should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries.

AI-generated fake explicit images of Belgium's Queen Mathilde, Crown Princess Elisabeth, and several politicians were circulated on social media, causing reputational and privacy harm. The incident prompted public outrage, legal action, and efforts to remove the images, highlighting the risks of AI misuse for non-consensual deepfakes.[AI generated]

Why's our monitor labelling this an incident or hazard?

The event involves AI systems generating manipulated explicit images without consent, which directly leads to violations of individual rights and privacy, a form of harm under the AI Incident definition (c). The harm is actual and ongoing, as the images are circulating on social media and legal actions are underway. The EU's regulatory response is complementary information but does not negate the incident classification. Hence, the primary classification is AI Incident.[AI generated]
AI principles
Respect of human rightsPrivacy & data governance

Industries
Media, social platforms, and marketing

Affected stakeholders
WomenOther

Harm types
ReputationalHuman or fundamental rights

AI system task:
Content generation


Articles about this incident or hazard