The British government has announced a new law to criminalize the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfake images, marking a major step in tackling online image-based abuse. This move follows a 400% rise in deepfake-related cases reported since 2017, with women and girls being the primary victims of this disturbing trend.
Deepfakes—AI-generated videos, images, or audio clips that appear convincingly real—have increasingly been misused to superimpose people’s faces onto pornographic content without their consent. While the 2015 revenge porn law criminalized the sharing of intimate images without permission, it did not cover AI-generated fake content. The new legislation will change that.
What the New Law Means
Under this proposed reform, both creating and distributing sexually explicit deepfakes will be criminal offenses. Perpetrators could face prosecution, fines, and even jail time for violating the law.
“There is no excuse for creating a sexually explicit deepfake of someone without their consent,” the UK Justice Ministry declared, emphasizing the need to curb this invasive form of digital abuse.
Additionally, the government will introduce new offenses related to intimate-image abuse, including:
- Secretly taking explicit photos or videos of someone without their consent
- Installing hidden cameras with the intent to commit such crimes
Those found guilty could face up to two years in prison.
Political Support and Public Reaction
The move has been widely supported by victim advocacy groups and government officials. Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones called deepfake abuse a “demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism” that should never be normalized.
Technology Minister Margaret Jones also warned that tech platforms hosting these abusive images would be held accountable, facing tougher regulations and significant penalties if they fail to remove harmful content.
Campaigners have praised the initiative, with activist Jess Davies calling intimate-image abuse a national emergency that is robbing victims of control over their digital presence.
When Will the Law Take Effect?
The new deepfake offenses will be part of the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which is set to be introduced in Parliament soon. However, an exact date has not yet been announced.
As AI technology continues to evolve, governments worldwide are scrambling to put safeguards in place to protect victims from its misuse. Britain’s latest move signals a strong stance against image-based abuse, ensuring those who exploit AI for harm will face real-world consequences.
