EU to crack down on AI deepfakes, illicit imagery and hacking with new team in Brussels

The European Union has expanded its AI Office in Brussels with an additional 38 people to monitor AI companies, including OpenAI and DeepSeek. The expansion is part of the EU's 'tech sovereignty' strategy to enforce digital regulations. The move is also meant to address AI deepfakes, illicit imagery and hacking with the new team in Brussels.

The new staff will be responsible for monitoring companies such as OpenAI and DeepSeek, according to the report. The EU's 'tech sovereignty' strategy is intended to allow the bloc to enforce its own digital regulations independently. The stated focus areas for the new personnel include AI deepfakes, illicit imagery and hacking. The expansion adds 38 people to the existing AI Office, though the report does not say how many staff were already there or how the new positions will be distributed. The new team is expected to use monitoring as its primary tool, according to the report.

The report gives no timeline for when the expansion will take effect or whether the new hires have begun work. It also does not name any specific enforcement action against OpenAI, DeepSeek or any other company. No details are provided on the budget for the additional staff or the selection process. The report does not say whether the new team will coordinate with national regulators in EU member states or what enforcement powers it will have. The report frames the expansion as part of the EU's broader effort to enforce digital regulations and reduce reliance on other jurisdictions.