In an unprecedented move to protect its citizens, Denmark is set to introduce a bill that seeks to amend copyright law to give individuals greater control over their digital likenesses. This initiative aims to tackle the challenges posed by deepfake technology, which leverages artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic alterations of images, videos, and sounds that can easily mislead viewers.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt highlighted the need for reform, stating that, “Technology has outpaced our current legislation.” The proposed law would allow individuals to demand the removal of unauthorized deepfake content from social media platforms, addressing issues that arise from the misuse of such technology for malicious purposes, including non-consensual pornography, scams, and misinformation campaigns.
While existing laws predominantly focus on criminal penalties for deepfake-related harms, Denmark’s approach is distinct in its reliance on copyright law. Experts assert that this legislation could set a crucial precedent not only for Denmark but potentially for nations across the European Union, where Denmark currently holds the presidency.
As concerns around personal privacy intensify in the digital realm, supporters of the bill envision it as a necessary evolution of legal protections, adapting to the rapid advancements in technology and safeguarding individuals’ fundamental rights in a world increasingly filled with artificial manipulations.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt highlighted the need for reform, stating that, “Technology has outpaced our current legislation.” The proposed law would allow individuals to demand the removal of unauthorized deepfake content from social media platforms, addressing issues that arise from the misuse of such technology for malicious purposes, including non-consensual pornography, scams, and misinformation campaigns.
While existing laws predominantly focus on criminal penalties for deepfake-related harms, Denmark’s approach is distinct in its reliance on copyright law. Experts assert that this legislation could set a crucial precedent not only for Denmark but potentially for nations across the European Union, where Denmark currently holds the presidency.
As concerns around personal privacy intensify in the digital realm, supporters of the bill envision it as a necessary evolution of legal protections, adapting to the rapid advancements in technology and safeguarding individuals’ fundamental rights in a world increasingly filled with artificial manipulations.
