Australia is set to introduce new legislation criminalizing the sharing of deepfake pornography without consent. The proposed law, to be presented to parliament next week, will carry jail sentences of up to six years for individuals found sharing non-consensual deepfake pornographic images. The penalty will increase to seven years for those who are found responsible for creating the material.
According to Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, the distribution of digitally altered sexually explicit content without consent constitutes a harmful form of abuse, especially impacting women and girls who are often the primary targets of such offensive behavior. The profound and lasting effects on victims necessitate legal action to deter such conduct.
The focus of the new law will be on adults, as existing legislation already protects children from such exploitation. This move aligns Australia with other countries facing similar challenges posed by the proliferation of deepfake pornography. In April, the UK announced plans to criminalize the creation of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, proposing severe penalties for offenders.
By addressing the issue through legal means, Australia aims to curb the spread of deepfake pornography and protect individuals from the emotional and psychological harm caused by unauthorized distribution of manipulated content. The proposed legislation underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding privacy and dignity in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News
What is deepfake pornography?
Deepfake pornography refers to digitally altered sexually explicit content created using artificial intelligence technology to superimpose a person's face onto another individual's body in a pornographic video or image.
Why is non-consensual sharing of deepfake pornography harmful?
The non-consensual sharing of deepfake pornography can have severe emotional and psychological impacts on individuals, particularly women and girls who are often the primary targets of such offensive behavior. It can lead to victimization, humiliation, and trauma.
What penalties will individuals face for sharing non-consensual deepfake pornography under the proposed law?
Individuals found sharing non-consensual deepfake pornographic images could face jail sentences of up to six years. The penalty increases to seven years for those responsible for creating the material.
Who does the new law in Australia aim to protect?
The new law in Australia aims to protect individuals, particularly adults, from the harmful impacts of non-consensual deepfake pornography. Existing legislation already protects children from such exploitation.
How does Australia's approach to deepfake pornography compare to other countries?
Australia's approach aligns with other countries facing similar challenges posed by deepfake pornography. The UK, for example, also announced plans to criminalize the creation of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, proposing severe penalties for offenders.
Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.
