The United Kingdom is set to criminalize the production of sexually explicit deepfake images in a move to combat violence against women. The Ministry of Justice has announced that individuals found guilty of creating such content without consent could face legal repercussions, including an unlimited fine, even if there is no intention to distribute the images. Those who distribute such images could potentially face imprisonment.
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, the prevalence of deepfake images and videos has raised concerns. The UK government has directed law enforcement agencies to prioritize addressing this issue as part of the broader strategy to tackle violence against women and girls. The proposed law aims to curb the escalating trend of using deepfake images to inflict emotional distress or embarrassment on victims.
Laura Farris, the minister for victims and safeguarding, emphasized the significance of the new offense, stating that it sends a clear message that creating such material is immoral, often misogynistic, and constitutes a crime. In addition to criminalizing the production of sexually explicit deepfake images, the government is introducing new criminal offenses for actions such as taking or recording real intimate images without consent.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, expressed support for the government’s decision, highlighting that superimposing someone’s image onto sexually explicit content violates their autonomy and privacy, causing significant harm that cannot be tolerated. Cooper stressed the importance of equipping law enforcement authorities with the necessary training and tools to enforce these laws effectively and prevent perpetrators from acting with impunity.
