Creating sexually explicit deepfake images to be made offence in UK

Creating a sexually explicit “deepfake” image is to be made an offence under a new law, the Ministry of Justice has announced.

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.

Yvette Cooper, theshadow 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.”

“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.