Offenders could face jail if image is widely shared under proposed amendment to criminal justice bill
Creating a sexually explicit “deepfake” image is to be made an offence under a new law, the Ministry of Justice has announced.
Under the legislation, anyone who creates such an image without consent will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine. They could also face jail if the image is shared more widely.
The creation of a deepfake image will be an offence regardless of whether the creator intended to share it, the department said. The Online Safety Act, introduced last year, has already criminalised the sharing of deepfake intimate images, whose creation is being facilitated by advances in artificial intelligence.
The offence will be introduced through an amendment to the criminal justice bill, which is making its way through parliament. Laura Farris, the minister for victims and safeguarding, said the creation of deepfake sexual images was “unacceptable irrespective of whether the image is shared”.
“It is another example of ways in which certain people seek to degrade and dehumanise others – especially women. And it has the capacity to cause catastrophic consequences if the material is shared more widely. This government will not tolerate it.
“This new offence sends a crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime.”
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, supported the announcement, saying: “It’s welcome that the government has accepted Labour’s calls to criminalise the creation of deepfake pornography. Superimposing somebody’s image on to sexually explicit photos and videos is a gross violation of their autonomy and privacy, which can cause enormous harm, and it must not be tolerated.
“It’s essential that the police and prosecutors are equipped with the training and tools required to rigorously enforce these laws in order to stop perpetrators from acting with impunity.”
Deborah Joseph, the editor-in-chief of Glamour UK, welcomed the planned amendment.
“In a recent Glamour survey, we found 91% of our readers believe deepfake technology poses a threat to the safety of women, and from hearing personal stories from victims, we also know how serious the impact can be,” she said.
“While this is an important first step, there is still a long way to go before women will truly feel safe from this horrendous activity.”
