Denmark Takes On Deepfakes with New Copyright Law

The Danish government is taking a bold step to combat the creation and spread of AI-generated deepfakes. By amending copyright law, the government aims to ensure that everyone has the right to their own body, facial features, and voice. This move, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, is set to strengthen protection against digital imitations of people’s identities.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt announced the initiative, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals from misuse. “In the bill, we are sending an unequivocal message that everybody has the right to their own body, their own voice, and their own facial features,” he stated. Engel-Schmidt added, “Human beings can be run through the digital copy machine and be misused for all sorts of purposes, and I’m not willing to accept that.”

The proposed changes will give Danish citizens the right to demand the removal of deepfake content from online platforms if shared without consent. The law will also cover realistic, digitally generated imitations of an artist’s performance without consent, with potential compensation for those affected. Importantly, the new rules will not affect parodies and satire, which will remain permissible.

Engel-Schmidt is confident that the tech platforms will take this legislation seriously. “Of course, this is new ground we are breaking, and if the platforms are not complying with that, we are willing to take additional steps,” he said. Non-compliance could result in severe fines, and the issue could escalate to the European Commission. “That is why I believe the tech platforms will take this very seriously indeed,” he added.

The move has broad support, with nine in 10 MPs backing the initiative. Engel-Schmidt plans to use Denmark’s upcoming EU presidency to share the country’s plans with European counterparts, hoping other nations will follow suit.

As AI technology advances, making it easier to create convincing fake images, videos, or sounds, Denmark’s proactive approach sets a precedent. The government is committed to ensuring that individuals have control over their digital representations, fostering a safer and more ethical online environment.