The European Parliament’s Gender Equality Committee today adopted its priorities for the United Nations, including a strong focus on tackling deepfakes as proposed by MEP Maria Walsh.
MEP Walsh is a full member of the Gender Equality Committee and is the lead negotiator for the EPP, the Parliament’s largest political group, on the EU’s priorities for the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The CSW is taking place in New York from 9–20 March 2026, and MEP Walsh will attend on behalf of the European Parliament.
The adopted text includes amendments from MEP Walsh committing to stronger action, at both European and international level, to address the risks posed by deepfakes and sexual AI-generated content – such as those created by Grok and other AI platforms.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“I will be travelling to the United Nations this March with a very clear message on behalf of the European Parliament: deepfakes must be recognised for what they are – the next frontier of gender-based violence. And to those who create, share or profit from this abuse; you will not continue to evade accountability.
“As an Irish MEP, I am acutely aware of the responsibility we have to legislate against the dangers posed by big tech – especially given the major role these platforms play in our economy. Online companies cannot continue to profit while women pay the price.
“We have seen some progress on the issue of deepfakes this week with the launch of the Commission’s investigation into Grok. However, having warned about this form of abuse for almost two years, this investigation has come far too late for the women and young girls whose lives have been destroyed. Action must be taken on the world stage, as well as at home in Ireland and in Brussels, for the scourge of deepfakes to be stamped out once and for all.
“Protecting women’s rights is not only a moral imperative – it is fundamental to fair, safe and competitive societies. At the UN Conference, I will be pushing for strong, united leadership on a global level to ensure women and girls can participate fully and safely in public life in the digital age.”