U.K. Takes Bold Steps Against Sexual Deepfakes
The U.K. is making significant strides in addressing the growing concern of sexually explicit deepfakes. Plans are now underway to establish the creation of such malicious content as a specific criminal offense.
What Are Deepfakes?
Deepfakes are manipulated media, particularly video and audio, crafted using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate the illusion that someone has done or said something they haven’t. This technology, while innovative, poses serious risks, particularly in the realm of online abuse and harassment.
Strengthening the Law
Last year, the U.K. implemented the Online Safety Act, which made the sharing—or even the threat of sharing—sexually explicit deepfake content illegal. However, the law did not cover the act of creating such content, leaving a significant gap. Today, the Ministry of Justice announced plans to amend these regulations, targeting creators of deepfake material, regardless of their involvement in sharing.
The former Conservative government had touched on similar proposals, but uncertainty loomed after the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, took the helm in July. Starmer himself has been a victim of a malicious deepfake video that portrayed him endorsing a dubious investment scheme, highlighting the urgent need for effective legislation in this arena.
A Focus on Women’s Safety
As technology makes it increasingly easier for individuals to create deepfake content, the U.K. government is specifically focusing on sexually explicit materials, recognizing their severe impact on women. “It is unacceptable that one in three women have been victims of online abuse,” stated Parliamentary Under-Secretary Alex Davies-Jones. “This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalised.”
Additionally, the government is expanding the scope of current laws concerning the non-consensual taking of intimate images, which have historically been restricted to specific situations like upskirting. Under the new proposals, those who install hidden cameras with the intent to capture intimate images without consent could face penalties of up to two years in prison.
Future Actions and Timelines
While a specific timeline for these legislative changes has yet to be detailed, they are set to be included in the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced when parliamentary schedules permit.
With these proactive measures, the U.K. is sending a strong message about the unacceptable nature of deepfake creations and their role in perpetuating online abuse.
As technology continues to develop, navigating its implications becomes increasingly critical. If you’re keen to stay updated on such advancements and their societal impacts, continue following our coverage on AI innovations.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
