The UK is taking decisive action against the growing misuse of AI by proposing legislation to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake content.
While the Online Safety Act already addresses the sharing or threat of sharing such material, these new measures aim to make the act of creating deepfake content a specific criminal offense.
What Are Deepfakes, and Why Are They a Problem?
Deepfakes use AI to manipulate videos, images, or audio, making it appear as though someone is doing or saying something they haven’t.
While this technology has some creative and entertainment applications, it has also been weaponized for harm. Fraudulent scams and the creation of explicit content are increasingly common, disproportionately impacting women.
The UK government’s latest move seeks to address the gap in existing legislation by targeting creators of explicit deepfake content, irrespective of whether they share the material.
A Stronger Framework to Combat Online Abuse
This announcement builds on previous efforts to curb online abuse. Under the new laws, anyone found creating sexually explicit deepfake content could face criminal charges, reflecting the government’s commitment to safeguarding individuals, particularly women.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary Alex Davies-Jones highlighted the urgency of addressing this issue, stating:
“One in three women have been victims of online abuse. This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalized.”
The government’s approach is part of its broader “Plan for Change,” aimed at tackling violence against women in all its forms.
Expanding Protections Against Non-Consensual Intimate Images
In addition to deepfake-specific legislation, the UK plans to expand laws surrounding intimate image abuse. Current legislation, such as that addressing upskirting, is limited to specific situations.
The proposed changes will target individuals installing hidden cameras or other equipment to capture intimate images without consent. Those convicted could face up to two years in prison.
What is Upskirting?
Upskirting refers to capturing images or videos under someone’s clothing without their knowledge or consent for sexual gratification or to cause distress. The government’s new measures aim to close loopholes and strengthen punishments for this invasive behavior.
A Deliberate Approach to Legislation
Although the exact timeline for these changes remains unclear, the government has confirmed that the new laws will be included in the forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill.
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The Ministry of Justice emphasized that this step is part of creating a more holistic legal framework to combat tech-enabled abuse.
How Does the UK Compare Globally?
The UK’s proactive measures stand in contrast to countries like the US, where no federal laws explicitly address deepfakes. Some states, like California, are pushing for legislation, though efforts face significant opposition.
Why This Matters
The rapid advancement of AI tools has made it easier than ever to create deepfake content, with devastating impacts on victims. For example, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was previously targeted by a deepfake video showing his likeness promoting an investment scheme.
By targeting both creators and sharers of explicit deepfake material, the UK aims to set a global standard for addressing this modern form of abuse.
How Can You Stay Safe?
While waiting for stronger laws to take effect, individuals can take steps to protect themselves from digital impersonation and abuse:
- Regularly check your online presence. Use reverse image searches to monitor the misuse of your photos or videos.
- Be cautious with personal content. Limit sharing sensitive materials online.
- Report abuse. Most platforms have tools for flagging harmful or non-consensual content.
The Road Ahead
The UK government’s commitment to tackling explicit deepfake creation marks a significant step forward in online safety. By addressing the root of the problem – content creation – it aims to create a safer digital space for everyone.
As the Crime and Policing Bill moves forward, advocates hope this comprehensive approach will offer meaningful protections against evolving technological threats.
