Recent developments highlight a legislative effort to criminalise deepfake pornography.
- Baroness Charlotte Owen introduces a Bill addressing legal loopholes on deepfake porn.
- Victim testimonies reveal the re-traumatisation involved in proving non-consent.
- Advancements in AI technology have facilitated the growth of non-consensual porn creation.
- Cross-party support emerges for the Bill targeting online abuse.
Baroness Charlotte Owen has taken a significant step in advocating for the criminalisation of deepfake pornography through a new legislative Bill. The Bill, which enters its second reading in the House of Lords, seeks to address ‘gaping loopholes’ in existing laws that do not adequately protect victims of non-consensual deepfake creations.
Owen highlights the distress victims face under the current legal system, particularly with the requirement to prove the intent of perpetrators. This process, she notes, can be deeply re-traumatizing for individuals who have already suffered emotional harm. Victims not only need to prove non-consent but must also show that perpetrators knew the extent of the harm caused, exacerbating their ordeal.
The rise of generative AI technology has significantly contributed to the proliferation of non-consensual deepfake pornography. This advancement has enabled an entire industry focused on ‘nudification,’ where ordinary images are transformed into explicit content. Research by Canva underscores the popularity and profitability of such applications, one processing a staggering 600,000 images in just three weeks post-launch.
Baroness Owen’s Bill also seeks to criminalise the solicitation of deepfake content, recognising the international nature of this form of online exploitation. Conversations with advocacy groups have highlighted the global reach and collective operation of individuals engaged in this degrading activity, necessitating comprehensive legal reforms.
The Bill garners widespread political support, with backing from members across Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Plaid Cymru, and DUP parties. This cross-party interest reflects a shared commitment to tackling online abuse amid broader efforts to end violence against women. Owen, newly appointed to the House of Lords, has been moved by the overwhelming interest her initiative has inspired, which aligns with her focus on scrutinising technology legislation.
The Bill represents a pivotal move towards safeguarding individuals against the misuse of AI in creating harmful online content.
