In a recent legislative push, the UK government announced new laws to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images without consent. This initiative is part of an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill and includes potential penalties such as unlimited fines and imprisonment.

The Ministry of Justice described these measures as crucial in tackling the degrading and dehumanising impact of deepfake technologies, particularly highlighting the frequent victimisation of women. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and Laura Farris, Minister for Victims and Safeguarding, underlined the immorality and harmfulness of these acts, stressing the government’s commitment to prosecuting individuals involved in such activities.

The legislation not only targets the creation of deepfakes but also encompasses the non-consensual recording or capturing of intimate images, extending protections against various forms of digital sexual abuse like upskirting. This move has garnered support from various advocates and public figures, including Deborah Joseph, Glamour’s European Editorial Director, and Labour’s shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper, who emphasized the importance of robust enforcement and continuous efforts to counter evolving digital threats.

The introduction of this law marks a broader effort to safeguard individual privacy and autonomy in the digital age, reflecting growing concerns over the misuse of advanced artificial intelligence in creating and distributing harmful content. These legal provisions are intended to offer clearer recourse for victims and set a firm boundary against such exploitative practices in the UK.