Data from the UK-based Revenge Porn Helpline shows that image-based abuse using deepfakes has increased by more than 400% since 2017.
Under the new offense to be introduced by the government, perpetrators could be charged and prosecuted for both creating and sharing these images. “There is no excuse for creating a sexually explicit deepfake of someone without their consent,” the justice ministry said in a statement.
The previous Conservative government, which lost power to the Labour Party in July, had announced similar plans to make sexually explicit deepfakes a criminal offense. Under its proposal, offenders would face fines and even jail time.
The justice ministry stated that further details of the new offense would be provided in due course. The government also plans to create new offenses for taking intimate images without consent and installing equipment with the intent to commit these offenses. Those found guilty could face up to two years in prison.
“This demeaning and disgusting form of chauvinism must not become normalized,” said Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones.
Technology Minister Margaret Jones added that tech platforms hosting abusive images would face tougher scrutiny and significant penalties. “Intimate-image abuse is a national emergency that is causing significant, long-lasting harm to women and girls who face a total loss of control over their digital footprint at the hands of online misogyny,” said campaigner Jess Davies.
The new offenses will be included in the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which will be introduced to parliament. A date has yet to be set.
