Broader Policy on Deepfakes Urgently Needed, Says Minister
The Justice and Home Affairs Minister of the Isle of Man has emphasized the need for a broader policy to combat the rising threat of deepfakes, along with the introduction of new sexual offences laws. Jane Poole-Wilson expressed concerns about the lack of regulation surrounding Artificial Intelligence (AI), stating that governments worldwide are grappling with this issue.
Deepfakes are a type of AI technology that alters or replaces faces in videos and images, often used maliciously for revenge porn or spreading misinformation. The upcoming Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021 on the Isle of Man does include protections against deepfakes, but Poole-Wilson believes a more comprehensive approach is necessary.
The new legislation addresses offenses related to the distribution of altered intimate images without consent, including deepfakes, as well as provisions to tackle revenge porn. Furthermore, the UK is considering a law that would mandate the labeling of all AI-generated photos and videos to counter AI deepfakes, a development the Isle of Man is monitoring closely.
The importance of such legislation was highlighted by Alex Allinson MHK, who emphasized that sharing intimate pictures, whether genuine or manipulated, amounts to a form of abuse with long-lasting effects. He welcomed the new laws, asserting that it is crucial for people to understand that circulating such pictures online will have legal consequences.
To ensure the Isle of Man remains up to date with global actions, David Ashford raised the question of whether measures taken elsewhere were being considered. Poole-Wilson confirmed that her department is actively reviewing initiatives in other jurisdictions to stay informed about potential risks.
In conclusion, Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson stressed the urgent need for a broader policy alongside the upcoming sexual offences laws to effectively protect against the threats posed by deepfakes. The introduction of AI regulation and the possibility of mandating the labeling of AI-generated content are steps being considered to counter this emerging issue. As the Isle of Man prepares for the implementation of new laws, the island is keeping a vigilant eye on global developments to ensure comprehensive protection.
