The UK government has unveiled plans to criminalise the generation and spread of sexually explicit deepfake content. This move will combat the misuse of increasingly powerful AI technologies to harm women and girls.
What are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are videos, images, or audio recordings captured using artificial intelligence to look real. They can change existing content so it looks like someone else is involved. This could mean that some explicit images can be edited with another person’s face.
A Loophole in Existing Laws
Britain’s revenge porn law criminalised the act in 2015, wherein private photographs and videos were taken and published without the consent of the subject to humiliate or hurt them. Unfortunately, the law does not explicitly cover fake or altered images, which is why deepfake abuse runs rampant.
Read more: Deepfakes Create Serious Risks for Women Leaders in Pakistan
Alarming Rise in Deepfake Abuse
The UK Revenge Porn Helpline has noted an over 400 percent rise in deepfake abuse in 2017. Campaigners argue this surge highlights the urgent need for stronger laws.
New Legal Measures
The government will introduce a new law to criminalise both creating and sharing sexually explicit deepfakes without consent. Those found guilty could face prosecution.
“There is no excuse for creating a sexually explicit deepfake of someone without their consent,” said the justice ministry.
Tackling Broader Intimate Image Abuse
Additional offences will target the taking of intimate images without consent and the installation of equipment used to commit such acts. Offenders could face up to two years in jail.
“This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalised,” said Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones.
Holding Tech Platforms Accountable
The government plans to impose stricter penalties on tech platforms that host abusive content. These platforms will face closer scrutiny to prevent the spread of harmful images.
“Intimate-image abuse is a national emergency that is causing significant, long-lasting harm to women and girls,” campaigner Jess Davies said.
What’s Next?
The new offences will be part of the upcoming Crime and Policing Bill. Details will be revealed soon, but the bill’s introduction date has not been announced.
This legislation is a step forward in addressing online misogyny. It aims to protect women and girls from the devastating effects of intimate image abuse.
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