Government Cracks Down on Sexual Deepfake Creators with New Law
Despicable criminals who make sexually explicit deepfake images are now in the government’s firing line. A tough new law will criminalise these vile acts, aiming to stomp out harmful deepfake content and boost protections for women.
Deepfake Creation Becomes a Criminal Offence
- New Crime Defined: Creating sexually explicit deepfake images is now illegal—even if the images aren’t shared.
- Heavy Penalties: Offenders face prosecution and unlimited fines.
- Intent Matters: Making deepfakes to cause distress or humiliation counts as an offence, regardless of sharing.
- Sharing Means Jail Time: If these images are spread further, creators risk prison.
- Double Trouble: Creating and sharing can rack up multiple charges and harsher sentences.
- Hyper-Realistic Harm: Deepfakes are shockingly lifelike, often made without the victim’s knowledge or consent.
- Building on Online Safety Laws: Last year’s Online Safety Act already targeted the sharing of intimate deepfakes; now creation is hit too.
- Criminal Justice Bill Boost: This new offence will be added via an amendment, clamping down on those creating malicious deepfake images.
Minister Condemns Deepfake Abuse
“The creation of deepfake sexual images is despicable and completely unacceptable irrespective of whether the image is shared,” said Laura Farris, Minister for Victims and Safeguarding. “It’s another way some seek to degrade and dehumanise others—especially women. If shared widely, the damage can be catastrophic. This government will not tolerate it. This new offence sends a crystal-clear message: making this material is immoral, often misogynistic, and a crime. Protecting women from physical, emotional, and online abuse is our priority.”
Broader Protections for Victims
The Criminal Justice Bill also introduces new offences related to taking or recording intimate images without consent. This builds on ongoing efforts to safeguard victims and tackle the growing threat of digital abuse.
