Denmark is taking a pioneering step to combat AI-generated deepfakes by proposing a law that grants citizens copyright over their face, voice, and body. This move aims to protect individuals from unauthorized digital imitations and misuse of their likeness. The proposed law will grant individuals exclusive rights over their biometric likeness, allowing them to demand removal of unauthorized AI-generated content and seek financial compensation for misuse.
Social media platforms and websites will be required to remove deepfake content within a specified timeframe after receiving a notice from the victim. Failure to comply may result in severe fines and potential escalation to the European Commission. The law will also extend protections for performing artists, ensuring their creative work cannot be replicated by AI without explicit consent.
The law will allow for exemptions in cases of clear parody or satire, similar to existing copyright law protections. Denmark's Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, emphasizes that this legislation sends an unambiguous message: every person has the right to their own body, voice, and facial features.
The law is expected to be finalized in the fall of 2025 and fully implemented by the end of the year. This pioneering legislation could set a precedent for other countries to follow in protecting individuals from AI-generated deepfakes. Denmark's approach prioritizes individual consent and holds platforms accountable for removing unauthorized content, paving the way for a more responsible digital future.
