The UK government has announced plans to criminalize the creation and distribution of sexually explicit deepfake images, aiming to strengthen protections for women and girls.
According to the AFP, the Ministry of Justice revealed that the upcoming legislation would also introduce penalties for capturing intimate images without consent and installing equipment for such purposes, with offenders facing up to two years in prison.
Currently, UK law prohibits sharing or threatening to share intimate images, including deepfakes.
However, creating these images without consent is only considered a crime in specific cases, such as upskirting. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged gaps in the law, stating that the government intends to address them.
“We’re making the law more robust to protect women and girls,” she told Sky News. “One in three women in the UK have been victims of intimate images being made or shared without consent. It’s horrific and leaves women vulnerable to intimidation. Those responsible must face the full force of the law.”
Deepfakes, which use artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic images, have become increasingly prevalent, causing significant harm to victims.
The justice ministry described the spread of deepfake technology as “alarming” and highlighted the urgent need for regulation.
The issue has reached high-profile victims, with a Channel 4 investigation last year revealing that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner was among over 30 British female politicians targeted by a deepfake pornography website.
Jess Davies, a campaigner against image-based abuse, welcomed the announcement. “This is a national emergency,” she said. “Intimate-image abuse is causing severe and lasting harm to victims, and the new laws are a critical step forward.”
The proposed offences will be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, which is expected to be introduced “when parliamentary time allows.” Advocacy groups, including the End Violence Against Women Coalition, urged the government to act swiftly.
Rebecca Hitchen, head of policy and campaigns at EVAW, stressed the importance of timely action. “We need clear timelines and details for this law to be effective. Delays will only increase the risk to women and girls,” she said.
