In the UK, the Internet Watch Foundation welcomed new rules under the forthcoming amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill that will allow AI models to be tested proactively for their ability to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Reports show AI‑generated CSAM‑related incidents more than doubled from 199 in 2024 to 426 in 2025. Internet Watch Foundation+2Sky News+2
The European Commission is preparing its “Digital Omnibus” legislative package, due 19 Nov, which will include targeted updates to the Artificial Intelligence Act (EU) and other digital laws to reduce complexity and support innovation. Bird & Bird+1
In the UK, the government also announced new legislation to criminalise the creation or possession of AI models intended to generate CSAM and permit pre‑release testing of models by child‑protection agencies. The Guardian+1
UK: New law to tackle AI-generated CSAM. Government announced legislation enabling designated testers to probe models pre-release for CSAM-generation risks and criminalising creation/possession of models intended for such abuse. GOV.UK
UK–Netherlands Innovation Partnership signed. Ministers agreed to deepen cooperation on AI, quantum and semiconductors, signalling tighter cross-border R&D and industrial links. GOV.UK
Regulation
UK: The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) published a press release on 12 Nov announcing the new law to tackle AI‑generated child abuse images. GOV.UK+1
EU: The forthcoming “Digital Omnibus” initiative will clarify and possibly amend the scope of the AI Act (including for general‑purpose models), the Data Governance Act and other digital frameworks. Bird & Bird
EU (Parliament): IMCO agenda noted reporting on the Working Group for implementation and enforcement of the AI Act, with amendments deadline today, an indicator of near-term procedural steps for oversight. European Parliament
Events
Council of Europe: T-CY meeting with industry (Day 2). Ongoing session on implementing the Second Additional Protocol to the Budapest Convention included engagement with service providers; AI-relevant evidence and cross-border access issues are in scope. Coe.int
Business
UK companies developing AI will need to prepare for the upcoming UK law addressing AI‑generated CSAM, including model‑testing obligations and potential criminal liability.
EU‑based and international firms must keep monitoring the EU’s Digital Omnibus developments, as easing of obligations or delayed enforcement under the AI Act may change compliance strategies.
Cross-border R&D and supply chains. The UK–Netherlands partnership points to joint programmes and potential funding routes in AI; organisations should map IP ownership, data-transfer and export-control terms early in collaboration planning.
Adoption of AI
The UK law introduces early‑stage adoption of a pre‑release model‑testing sandbox for AI systems that could generate CSAM. This embeds compliance at the development phase rather than after deployment.
The EU’s planned adjustments illustrate how regulatory adoption of AI governance is evolving from strict enforcement to more phased/delayed rollout, reflecting industry and trade pressures.
Takeaway
The UK is operationalising preventive AI safety controls in a high-harm domain, while EU institutions continue implementation work around the AI Act. Cross-border collaboration is expanding, but it heightens the need for clear IP, data-transfer and assurance frameworks in AI projects.
Sources: GOV.UK, Internet Watch Foundation, Sky News, The Guardian, European Parliament (IMCO), European Commission/Reuters coverage (Digital Omnibus), IAPP, Council of Europe (T-CY)