Denmark Proposes Law to Combat AI Deepfakes and Protect Citizens

In Copenhagen, Denmark, a proposed law aims to combat AI-generated deepfakes that exploit personal likenesses without consent. This legislative effort comes in response to growing concerns over the misuse of deepfakes, which have become increasingly realistic and accessible due to advancements in generative AI technologies.

According to the report from the Seattle Times, the law would amend copyright regulations, granting individuals copyright over their own likenesses. Citizens would have the right to demand the removal of unauthorized deepfake content, while still allowing for parodies and satire, though the determination of what qualifies remains unclear.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasized the potential threat deepfakes pose to democracy, highlighting that if politicians could be deepfaked without recourse, it undermines public trust in governance.

The proposed legislation is anticipated to pass early next year and has garnered broad support in the Danish parliament. Experts like Henry Ajder have praised this initiative, noting the current lack of protective measures for individuals who find themselves victims of deepfakes.

The law is expected to impose significant penalties on large tech platforms that fail to comply with removal requests. Engel-Schmidt reported interest in the bill from other EU countries, including France and Ireland, indicating a broader movement toward regulating AI technologies within Europe.

The Danish Rights Alliance supports the proposed law, arguing that existing copyright laws fall short in addressing the challenges posed by digital manipulations. Voice actor David Bateson's experience with unauthorized AI clones further emphasizes the need for such regulations.

The report highlights the increasing prevalence of deepfake technology, as noted by Danish video game streamer Marie Watson, who shared her emotional experience after discovering a manipulated image of herself online.

Watson's case underscores the urgent need for protective measures, as the ease of creating deepfakes poses a significant threat to personal identity and privacy. Denmark's legislative push reflects a growing recognition of the dangers posed by misinformation and the necessity for ethical guidelines in AI development.

With deepfakes capable of disrupting public discourse and personal lives, the proposed law aims to ensure that individuals can maintain control over their digital representations and mitigate the spread of harmful misinformation.