The UK government is taking a significant step in tackling online abuse by introducing a new law to criminalize the creation and distribution of sexually explicit “deepfakes.” These digitally manipulated images or videos, generated through artificial intelligence, can superimpose an individual’s face onto explicit content without their consent. Such practices have become a growing tool for exploitation, disproportionately targeting women, and often resulting in severe psychological and social harm. The law seeks to prevent the damaging effects of deepfake pornography, safeguarding individuals’ reputations and privacy. Offenders found guilty of creating or sharing this material could face up to two years in prison.

This new measure comes in response to a surge in non-consensual explicit content, which has escalated by more than 400% since 2017. Previous laws, such as the 2015 revenge porn legislation, failed to address the emerging threat of deepfakes, leaving victims vulnerable. The updated legislation not only targets deepfake content but also criminalizes the act of capturing intimate images without consent and using equipment to facilitate such acts. These provisions, part of the broader Crime and Policing Bill, demonstrate the UK government’s commitment to combating online misogyny and offering stronger legal protections against technological abuse. Experts and activists have praised the move as a much-needed advancement in digital safety and privacy, acknowledging its potential to set a global precedent for addressing AI-driven exploitation.