Denmark Proposes Copyright Law to Protect Citizens from Deepfake Misuse

The Danish government is taking proactive steps to address the growing concern over deepfakes by proposing a change in copyright law. This landmark legislation would grant citizens the right to control the use of their body, facial features, and voice, thereby strengthening protections against the creation and dissemination of deepfakes, according to The Guardian. While Denmark's department of culture has yet to submit the formal proposal to amend the current law, it has already secured cross-party support, indicating a strong likelihood of its passage. "In the bill, we are sending an unequivocal message that everyone has the right to their own body, their own voice, and their own facial features," said Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the Danish culture minister. "This is clearly not how the current law is protecting people against generative AI." In contrast, several U.S. states have enacted deepfake laws primarily targeting misuse during elections and the creation of nonconsensual sexually explicit content. However, these state-level regulations are facing a significant challenge as Congress considers a proposal within a new budget reconciliation bill. If adopted, this proposal could strip states of their power to regulate AI for a decade, potentially undermining existing protections. The Danish initiative reflects a broader global trend toward regulating the ethical and legal aspects of AI technology. By giving individuals control over their digital representations, Denmark aims to set a precedent in safeguarding personal rights and privacy in the digital age.