The advertising watchdog has banned advertisements for artificial intelligence applications that it judged promoted the sexualisation or objectification of women, saying it would not tolerate such marketing.
In a statement the regulator said it had "zero-tolerance" for ads that encourage or facilitate the sexualisation or objectification of women through AI tools. The move follows scrutiny of how AI-driven image and content generators are being marketed and the potential social harms their promotion can cause.
Campaigners and critics have increasingly warned about the ethical and social implications of AI image-generation technology, particularly when used to create sexualised or exploitative representations of individuals. The regulator's decision signals heightened attention to how such products are presented to the public and advertisers' responsibility to meet existing standards on decency and harm.
The ban could prompt platforms, marketers and AI developers to review how they promote their services and to adjust campaigns to avoid breaching advertising rules. Observers say the action may set a precedent for stricter oversight of AI-related marketing as regulators respond to new technology and its potential impact on vulnerable groups.