The UK government is ramping up its fight against sexually explicit “deepfakes,” with new legislation targeting predators who create or share these hyper-realistic and invasive images.
For the first time, adults depicted in deepfake images will be covered under the law, a significant step forward in addressing the growing misuse of artificial intelligence to exploit women and girls.
A Fast-Growing Threat
Deepfakes, created using advanced AI to manipulate images or videos, have surged in popularity, often weaponised to cause humiliation and distress. The Ministry of Justice describes the rise of such images as “alarming,” noting that women and girls are disproportionately targeted.
While it is already illegal to create sexually explicit deepfakes of children, new measures will criminalise both the creation and distribution of these images involving adults.
Stronger Protections for Victims
The upcoming legislation will also include:
- A new offence for taking intimate images without consent, closing existing loopholes where some forms of non-consensual photography were not covered.
- Punishments for installing equipment with intent to commit such crimes, ensuring accountability for premeditated actions.
Under these laws, offenders could face up to two years in prison.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones said:
“It is unacceptable that one in three women have been victims of online abuse. This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalised… We are putting offenders on notice – they will face the full force of the law.”
The Push for Cultural Change
Baroness Jones, Technology Minister, underscored the broader cultural implications:
“The rise of intimate image abuse exploits victims and perpetuates a toxic online culture. These acts are not just cowardly, they are deeply damaging… Platforms hosting this content will face tougher scrutiny and significant penalties.”
Campaigner Jess Davies echoed the urgency:
“Women should not have to accept sexual harassment and abuse as a normal part of their online lives. We need urgent action and legislation to better protect women and girls.”
A Wider Fight Against Violence
The measures are part of the Government’s broader Plan for Change, addressing violence against women and girls. Police and Crime Commissioners Lisa Townsend and Clare Moody praised the proposals, highlighting the need for society to confront the culture enabling such abuse.
Online Platforms Under Scrutiny
In addition to targeting perpetrators, tech companies will face increased pressure to prevent this content from spreading. Under the Online Safety Act, sharing intimate images without consent is now a priority offence, obliging platforms to remove such material or face enforcement by Ofcom.
Looking Ahead
The proposed laws, to be included in the Crime and Policing Bill, will be introduced “when parliamentary time allows.” Advocates hope this crackdown sends a clear message: creating or sharing explicit deepfakes is not just harmful but criminal.
