AI war video in Hungary’s campaign sparks child rights concerns
With the 2026 Hungarian parliamentary elections approaching, the Civil Coalition for Children's Rights issued recommendations based on minimum child-rights standards to guide political parties, candidates, and media on children's appearance and participation in campaigns.
On February 18, 2026, the Fidesz Budapest Facebook page shared a video created with artificial intelligence in which a little girl's father is shot in the head at the front. This intimidating campaign video can cause significant psychological burden for children, increase their anxiety levels, and trigger lasting fear reactions. All of this can undermine their sense of emotional security and adversely affect their mental well-being and development.
The publication of the campaign video is contrary to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19 of which states that every state has the obligation to take all necessary measures to protect children from all forms of abuse, neglect, or maltreatment.
The Coalition calls on political parties, nominating organisations, and candidates to comply with the basic rules of political communication that respect children's rights. In particular, they should refrain from campaign tools that endanger children's mental health and safety. They should not use or share content, including videos generated by artificial intelligence, that features children or has the potential to intimidate them.
Children have the right to have their rights and human dignity respected even during the campaign period!
Further information:
- Read the full statement
- info@gyermekjogicivilkoalicio.hu
- Read about Eurochild's new campaign Fighting Anti-Rights Movements
- Listen to our Eurochild podcast episodes on the attacks on civil society and on shrinking funds for NGOs.
