Hong Kong Privacy Watchdog Warns of AI-Generated Intimate Imagery
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog has joined a coalition of 60 overseas authorities in issuing a warning about the growing threat of non-consensual, AI-generated intimate images. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) released a joint statement on Monday, February 23, 2026, alongside organizations from Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
The statement highlights the potential for misuse of artificial intelligence, particularly in the creation of harmful content featuring real individuals. Recent advancements in AI image and video generation, integrated into widely accessible social media platforms, have made it easier to produce non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other damaging materials.
Authorities expressed particular concern for the potential harm to children and other vulnerable groups, citing risks such as cyberbullying, and exploitation. The co-signatories urged organizations developing or deploying AI systems to implement robust safeguards to prevent misuse of personal information and the generation of harmful content, especially depictions of children.
The joint statement calls for “effective and accessible mechanisms” allowing individuals to request the removal of AI-generated intimate or harmful images. This comes as concerns mount over the rapid development and deployment of AI technologies capable of creating realistic, yet fabricated, content.
The PCPD’s action follows its recent engagement with Elon Musk’s xAI regarding its AI chatbot, Grok. Last month, the watchdog contacted xAI after reports surfaced of users employing the chatbot to generate indecent content from photos and videos of individuals, including minors, without their consent.
Hong Kong’s government is also considering legislative changes to address the issue of AI-generated “deepfake” pornography. Security Minister Chris Tang revealed in September that the city was exploring expanding its sexual offences laws to encompass such content. This discussion was prompted by a case involving a University of Hong Kong student accused of using AI tools to create indecent images of classmates and teachers without their permission.
The PCPD’s participation in this international warning underscores the growing global concern over the ethical and legal implications of AI-generated content. As AI technology continues to evolve, authorities are working to balance the potential benefits with the need to protect individuals from harm and safeguard their privacy.
