Long: Have your say on proposed new law on sexually explicit deepfake images
Date published:
A public consultation on proposals to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of adults closes soon.
The Department of Justice wants to hear from the public as it continues efforts to tackle emerging issues relating to the use of deepfake technology.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: During the last few years, we have seen an exponential rise in the proliferation of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, which research shows are overwhelmingly targeted at women and girls and are yet another form of sexual abuse and exploitation.
These images perpetuate, promote and normalise misogyny and the sexualisation of women. They dehumanise and objectify them. The harm that they cause is incalculable. My aim is to address that growing threat and the harm that it causes.
The consultation deals with a range of factors, including motivation and the sentences available to judges should the creation of, sharing and threatening to share a sexually explicit deepfake image become criminal offences.
Minister Long continued: There is still time to respond to this extremely important consultation and help shape policy which would reduce the harm created by this despicable behaviour.
The proposed offences would provide further protections and add significantly to the suite of measures that are already in place to protect people from intolerable sexually motivated behaviours and to eradicate violence against women and girls.
In response to requests from interested parties for an extension of time within which to respond to the consultation, the closing date for responses has been extended to 13 October.
Notes to editors:
1. There is currently no legislation in Northern Ireland which criminalises the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images where the images relate to adults. There are already protections in place for children. Under section 3 of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 it is an offence to take, make, distribute or show an indecent photograph, or pseudo-photograph of a child under 18. Consequently, this consultation is limited to the consideration of the introduction of offences to criminalise the creation and non-consensual sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of an adult or requesting the creation of such images.
2. Sexually explicit deepfake imagery is where an image is altered to create the impression the person in the image is either nude, semi-nude, or taking part in a sexual act.
3. Any new offences arising from this consultation will be included by amendment to the Justice Bill, which is currently at Committee Stage in the Assembly.
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