UK to criminalize creation of sexually explicit deepfakes

The U.K.’s Ministry of Justice has announced that creating sexually explicit “deepfake” images will be made a criminal offense in England and Wales under a new law.

Under the legislation, anyone making explicit images of an adult without their consent will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine. If the image is then shared more widely, the creator could then be sent to jail.

The new law will mean creating sexually explicit deepfakes will be a criminal offense, even if there is no intention to distribute it. Simply creating such content with the aim of causing alarm, humiliation, or distress to the victim will constitute a criminal act.