Minister launches consultation on sexually explicit deepfake images
Date published:
The Department of Justice is seeking views on proposals to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of adults.
Justice Minister Naomi Long today published a public consultation as the Department of Justice continues efforts to protect the public from growing issues relating to the use of deepfake technology.
The Minister said: “I am proposing to criminalise the increasingly prevalent and despicable behaviours of creating and sharing sexually explicit deepfake images, where somebody’s image is inserted into sexually explicit content without their consent.
“It is abhorrent behaviour which can have devastating consequences for those whose identities are misused, the overwhelming majority of whom are women.
“Victims report feeling embarrassed, humiliated, violated and unsafe, they can suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and some people even consider suicide because of their experiences.
“In short, this is an issue which can ruin lives, which is why we are proposing to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images.”
The consultation deals with a range of factors, including motivation, whether the proposed offence should be dealt with in the crown or magistrates court, and the sentences that should be available to judges should the creation and sharing of a sexually explicit deepfake image become a criminal offence.
The Minister continued: “The creation of these new offences will add to a suite of measures already in place to protect people from intolerable sexually motivated behaviours and eradicate violence against women and girls.
“In 2022, I introduced a number of offences to deal with downblousing, upskirting and cyberflashing.
“Sexually explicit deepfake images are another form of sexual abuse and exploitation. I will continue to react and respond to enhance legislation relating to those who misuse developments in technology in such a way.”
The consultation, which closes on 6 October 2025, can be accessed at the consultation section of this website.
Notes to editors:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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