Data regulator joins global warning over misuse of AI 'deepfake' technology

The Isle of Man unites with Guernsey and Jersey regulators raising concerns about non-consensual AI-generated images

The Isle of Man Information Commissioner has joined counterparts in Guernsey and Jersey, alongside 61 data protection authorities worldwide in issuing a joint statement highlighting concerns of the misuse of artificial intelligence systems to generate harmful images and videos of real people without their consent.

The statement focuses particularly on the create of non-consensual intimate imagery - often referred to as ‘deepfakes’. Regulators warn that such material can cause emotional distress, damage reputations and infringe data protection rights.

The declaration sets out expectations for organisations developing and deploying AI content generation systems, including building strong safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal data, being transparent about how systems operate and their limitations, and providing swift and accessible routes for individuals to request removal of harmful content.

International regulators say they will continue to coordinate enforcement activity, share information and provide public guidance in response to what they describe as a “growing global risk”.

While primary responsibility for compliance rests with organisations designing and using AI systems, the Crown Dependencies have issued advice to the public, particularly parents and carers.

Families are being urged to speak openly about online risks and to take an active role in helping children stay safe when using AI tools and digital services.

The advisory cautions users to be careful when sharing photographs, videos, voice recordings or detailed personal information with AI platforms, especially where it is unclear how long data is retained, whether it is used to train AI models, or with whom it may be shared. Additionally, it warns AI-generated content may be inaccurate or fabricated and should be checked against trusted sources.

Parents are reminded that once personal data is uploaded to an AI system, it may be difficult to ensure all copies are removed.

In the Isle of Man, creating or sharing indecent images of a child - including those generated by AI - is a criminal offence.

Under the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021, which came into effect in March 2024, the act of creating an AI-generated indecent image of a child - regardless of whether it depicts a real or fabricated minor - carried a maximum sentence of 10 years’ custody.

Additionally, in April 2025, the Isle of Man Constabulary began using AI-assisted tools to grade illegal material, which was designed to speed up prosecution of offenders by matching images against the UK’s Child Abuse Image Database.

Information Commissioner Dr Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya sat down with Manx Radio’s Christian Jones to discuss more: