Denmark Moves to Grant Citizens Copyright Over Their Own Faces and Voices in Deepfake Crackdown

Denmark Proposes Copyright Rights for Personal Features to Combat Deepfakes

The Danish government is set to address the challenges posed by AI-generated deepfakes by introducing a groundbreaking amendment to copyright law. This new legislation will grant individuals explicit rights over their own body, facial features, and voice, aiming to curb unauthorized digital imitations.

Scheduled for consultation before the summer recess and parliamentary submission in autumn, the proposal defines deepfakes as highly realistic digital representations of a person’s appearance and voice. This approach is believed to be the first of its kind in Europe.

Legal Protections Against Digital Identity Misuse

Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Denmark’s Culture Minister, emphasized the need for clear legal boundaries. He stated that everyone should have the right to control how they look and sound, a protection he says current laws do not fully provide against generative AI misuse.

“Human beings can be run through the digital copy machine and be misused for all sorts of purposes and I’m not willing to accept that,” Engel-Schmidt said.

Scope and Enforcement of the Proposed Law

• The amendment would empower individuals to demand removal of unauthorized deepfake content from online platforms.
• It extends protection to digitally generated imitations of artists’ performances without their consent.
• Violations could result in compensation claims from affected parties.
• Parodies and satire will remain protected under the new rules.

The bill has secured broad political support, reportedly backed by nine out of ten Members of Parliament. The government also signaled readiness to impose severe fines on non-compliant platforms, potentially involving the European Commission if necessary.

European Implications and Future Steps

Denmark plans to use its upcoming EU presidency to promote this initiative among European counterparts, encouraging similar legislation across the continent. Minister Engel-Schmidt warned that digital platforms must take these new legal obligations seriously or face stringent penalties.

This move represents a significant legal response to the challenges posed by AI-generated content, setting a precedent for protecting personal identity in the digital age.

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