The UK government will criminalize the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfakes, marking a significant step to combat online abuse. The new law will target individuals producing or distributing such images, and potentially carry a two-year prison sentence.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones emphasized the government's commitment to holding offenders accountable, stating that they "will face the full force of the law." While this move is welcomed, critics are urging clarity on the timeline and specifics of the legislation.
Deepfakes, artificial intelligence-generated or manipulated images of real people, are increasingly prevalent online, and can be highly problematic, often including explicit content. The new offense aims to tackle this emerging threat, building on existing laws aimed at curbing the sharing of intimate images.
This builds upon existing legislation related to intimate image sharing, which the government aims to streamline. The Law Commission previously described these laws as fragmented and inconsistent. The government is addressing this issue as part of broader efforts to combat violence against women.
The End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the need for a clear implementation timeline and detailed legal provisions. Specifically, EVAW raised concerns about the scope of the law, urging the government to ensure that the law explicitly addresses consent as a key factor, not just the perpetrator's intent. The group also stressed the importance of prioritizing the new offense within the Online Safety Act.
The new law, while intending to protect individuals, has its critics who question its practical application and effectiveness. The government has yet to provide the details required to fully assess the law's impact.
