Creating sexually explicit 'deepfake' images can result in prosecution under new legislation to be announced today.

Ministers will table an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill - set to return to the Commons in the coming weeks - to make creating the 'immoral' material a crime.

People who make the images without consent will face a criminal record and an unlimited fine. It is already an offence to share 'deepfake' intimate images. 

In recent months, a number of high profile figures have been victims of deepfake pornography, including pop star Taylor Swift and US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Fake images and videos are made to look realistic, and victims are usually unaware and unable to consent to being sexualised in such a way.




Creating sexually explicit 'deepfake' images can result in prosecution under new legislation to be announced today





US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been the victim of sexually explicit deepfake content





Taylor Swift was targeted by sexually explicit deepfake images that went viral on X in January

Last year, the Government criminalised the sharing of 'deepfake' intimate images for the first time.

But the new law will mean anyone who makes sexually explicit 'deepfake' images of adults maliciously and without consent will face prosecution.

It also strengthens the existing offence, as creating and then sharing the image could lead to a person being charged with two offences - potentially leading to a longer sentence.

Victims and Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris said the new offence would send a 'crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime'.

She added: 'The creation of deepfake sexual images is despicable and completely unacceptable irrespective of whether the image is shared.

'It is another example of ways in which certain people seek to degrade and dehumanise others - especially women. And it has the capacity to cause catastrophic consequences if the material is shared more widely. This Government will not tolerate it.'




Victims and Safeguarding Minister Laura Farris (pictured) said the new offence would send a 'crystal clear message that making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and Klaudena Erfahrungsbericht a crime'





Cally Jane Beech (pictured), 32, is former Love Island contestant who has campaigned on the issue after discovering fake nude images of herself online

Cally Jane Beech, former Love Island contestant, who has campaigned on the issue after discovering fake nude images of herself online, said the offence was a 'huge step in further strengthening of the laws around deepfakes to better protect women'.

'What I endured went beyond embarrassment or inconvenience. Too many women continue to have their privacy, dignity, and identity compromised by malicious individuals in this way and it has to stop. People who do this need to be held accountable.'

The Criminal Justice Bill, which is expected to return to the Commons later this month, also creates a range of new criminal offences to punish people who take or record intimate images without consent, or install the equipment to enable someone to do so.


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