Creation and distribution of pornographic deepfakes without consent to be made illegal in new measure

With Law Commission recommending a series of changes to the online and privacy legislation of the UK, both the creation and sharing deepfakes of pornographic nature without content are to be made illegal.

Moreover, the Law Commission also made recommendations regarding tackling the problem of recording someone with hidden cameras without consent. It advised that Police should be given more to confront the issue.

These recommendations would probably be a part of the Online Safety Bill that’ll be put before the Parliament of the UK next month.


Though the new legislation involves banning the creation of particular deepfakes, many people may be unaware deepfakes.

Understanding Deepfake

Deepfake is a relatively new technology in which fake images are created using advanced artificial Intelligence, also known as Deep Learning. Here an existing image of the person is used to make it seem like that person is doing or saying something, whereas, in reality, they aren’t.

Though the technology can be used for comic purposes, like how an alternative Christmas Day speech by Queen Elizabeth II was created by Channel 4, it can also be used for dark motives.


Deekfakes are often used for fraudulent activities, to create fake news or revenge porn. Actors Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie have both fallen victim to pornography made using deepfake technology. Johansson even spoke about taking action as early as 2010.

She said in an interview that the internet is a “vast wormhole of darkness” and legally, it’s a “useless pursuit.” Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has also been ‘deepfaked’.

FAQs:

1. Who sits on the Law Commission UK?
   An Appeal Court or High Court Judge
2. Can I make my deepfakes?
   Yes, you can.