The UK confirms its plans to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit fake content
The UK is moving ahead with plans to make the creation of “deepfake” images with sexually explicit content a specific criminal offence.
Deepfakes refer to manipulated media, often video or audio, that are created using artificial intelligence to make someone appear to say or do something they did not.
The United Kingdom had Already made Sharing – and threatening to share – sexually explicit fake content crime Through the Internet Safety Law that came into effect last year. but create The content itself is not covered. And so is the Ministry of Justice today Announce The company plans to make the current rules more comprehensive, covering those who create them as well — regardless of the role they play in any subsequent engagement.
The previous Conservative government in the United Kingdom had done so Similar plans are detailedBut with the arrival of the new government in July, it was uncertain which direction Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s party would go, although Labor pledged to combat deepfakes more comprehensively in its election manifesto. It was actually Starmer himself Subject to deepfake video distortion, as his resemblance to an artificial intelligence was seen promoting an investment scheme.
However, the United States does not have any specific laws to combat deepfakes Several states are pushing for legislation – Including California, which Elon Musk X is suing To prevent the law from coming to fruition.
Internet abuse
Technology has made it easier for ordinary people to create fake images and audio clips for any purpose, including fraudulent activity through impersonation scams. But with today’s announcement, the UK government is focusing on sexually explicit content specifically, which it says disproportionately affects women.
“It is unacceptable that one in three women is a victim of online abuse,” Undersecretary of Parliament Alex Davies-Jones said in a statement. “This insulting and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalized, and must become part of our culture.” Plan for change “We work to combat violence against women – whatever form it takes.”
The government also announced plans to expand current laws on taking intimate photos without consent, which are currently limited to very specific cases. Like upskirts. For example, anyone who installs equipment, such as hidden cameras, for the purpose of taking intimate images could face up to two years in prison. (Upskirting refers to taking a photo or video under someone’s clothes for the purpose of viewing their underwear or genitals/buttocks without their knowledge or consent for sexual gratification or to cause humiliation, distress, or alarm.)
No specific timeline has been detailed for these various changes. However, the government said it would include them in the upcoming list Crime and Policing Billwhich will be introduced “when parliamentary time permits.”
