Denmark Takes Action Against Deepfake Misinformation

Denmark is taking significant steps to combat the spread of deepfake imagery online, aiming to protect against the manipulation and misuse of digital content. The government has announced that a broad coalition of parliamentary parties supports the initiative, which is expected to make it illegal to share deepfakes or other digital imitations of personal characteristics.

Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating, “It is high time we create a safeguard against the spread of misinformation and send a clear signal to tech giants.” The measures are among the most extensive steps taken by any government to address deepfakes, which are highly realistic but fabricated content created using artificial intelligence tools.

Deepfakes typically come in the form of images or videos but can also be audio. They can make it appear as though someone said or did something they did not. Famous figures like Taylor Swift and Pope Francis have been depicted in deepfakes, highlighting the potential for widespread misinformation and harm.

Different countries have taken varying approaches to tackling deepfakes, often focusing on sexually explicit content. In the United States, President Donald Trump signed bipartisan legislation making it illegal to publish or threaten to publish intimate images without consent, including deepfakes. South Korea has also implemented measures to curb deepfake porn, including harsher punishments and stricter regulations for social media platforms.

Supporters of the Danish proposal argue that with advancing technology, it will soon be impossible for people to distinguish between real and manipulated content. “Since images and videos quickly become embedded in people’s subconscious, digitally manipulated versions can create fundamental doubts about and perhaps even a completely wrong perception of reality,” a ministry statement explained.

The proposal aims to ensure the right to one’s own body and voice, while still allowing for parodies and satire. The rules will apply only in Denmark, and violators may face compensation but not fines or imprisonment. The ministry plans to amend Danish law this summer, with the goal of passing the legislation by the end of the year or early 2026, ensuring compliance with international obligations and European Union law.

As technology continues to evolve, the Danish government’s proactive approach highlights the growing need for robust legal frameworks to address the challenges posed by deepfakes and other forms of digital manipulation.