U.K. Government Announces Crackdown on Sexually Explicit 'Deepfakes'

The British government announced a new law that will criminalize the creation of sexually explicit 'deepfake' images without consent. Under the new legislation, set to be introduced as an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, those convicted of this offense will face prosecution and an unlimited fine.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the new law will make it a criminal offense to create a sexually explicit deepfake "even if they have no intent to share it but purely want to cause alarm, humiliation or distress to the victim." If the image is subsequently shared, offenders could face jail time.

"The creation of deepfake sexual images is despicable and completely unacceptable irrespective of whether the image is shared," said Laura Farris, Minister for Victims and Safeguarding. "This new offence sends a crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime."

The announcement comes as part of a broader government effort to tackle image-based abuse and better protect women from physical, emotional, and online abuse. The Criminal Justice Bill also includes provisions to create new offenses related to taking or recording intimate images without consent.