Azerbaijan Criminalizes the Illegal Use of Artificial Intelligence 

On 21 April 2026, amendments related to the use of artificial intelligence technologies were introduced to the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, as well as the Laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information” and “On Media”.

According to the amendments, new Articles 148-2 and 242-1 were added to the Criminal Code.

Pursuant to Article 148-2 of the Criminal Code, the creation or dissemination of photo, video or audio materials that do not reflect reality, generated through artificial intelligence technologies or special software using a person’s image or voice without that person’s consent, gives rise to criminal liability.

In addition, Article 242-1 of the Criminal Code establishes criminal liability for the creation or dissemination of pornographic or sexually explicit materials generated through artificial intelligence technologies using a person’s image or voice without that person’s consent.

At the same time, pursuant to the amendment made to the Law “On Information, Informatization and Protection of Information”, photo, video and audio materials generated through artificial intelligence technologies must, when publicly displayed, contain a clear and easily visible label indicating that such materials were created using those technologies.

Furthermore, according to the amendments made to the Law “On Media”, the dissemination of photo, video or audio materials that do not reflect reality, or that contain pornographic or sexual content, created through artificial intelligence technologies or special software using a person’s image or voice without that person’s consent, is prohibited.