Denmark proposes landmark law to protect citizens from deepfake misuse
Platforms could face fines for failing to remove illegal deepfake content under proposed Danish law.
Denmark’s Ministry of Culture has introduced a draft law aimed at safeguarding citizens’ images and voices under national copyright legislation, Azernews reports. The move marks a significant step in addressing the misuse of deepfake technologies.
The proposed bill prohibits using an individual’s likeness or voice without prior consent, enabling affected individuals to claim compensation. While satire and parody remain exempt, the legislation explicitly bans the unauthorised use of deepfakes in artistic performances.
Under the proposed framework, online platforms that fail to remove deepfake content upon request could be subject to fines. The legislation will apply only within Denmark and is expected to pass with up to 90% parliamentary support.
The bill follows recent incidents involving manipulated videos of Denmark’s Prime Minister and legal challenges against the creators of pornographic deepfakes.
If adopted, Denmark would become the first country in the region to implement such legal measures. The proposal is expected to spark broader discussions across Europe on the ethical boundaries of AI-generated content.
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