Creating a 'deepfake' sexual image should be an offence, CARE says

Press release: A plan to punish people who create deepfake sexual images has been welcomed by CARE.

The Ministry of Justice has announced that creating a sexually explicit “deepfake” image is to be made an offence under new legislation.

Under the proposal, anyone who creates a sexually explicit deepfake without consent will face a criminal record, a fine, or even jail.

The new offence would be introduced through an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill, which is making its way through Parliament.

A spokeswoman for CARE said:

"The creation and sharing of deepfake images and videos of a sexual nature can have a profound impact on victims' mental health, relationships, and employment. This technology is even being weaponised to undermine the political process. During the campaign for last year’s Northern Ireland Assembly election, two female candidates were subjected to deepfake porn hoaxes.

"We welcome the government's proposals, which challenge dehumanising behaviour, and will scrutinise them closely in the coming days. We'd urge parliamentarians to consider backing the MoJ's plans and also a ban on apps and sites that allow deepfakes to be created. Outlawing AI software used to create vile content must be part of the response to this harmful trend. Polling commissioned by CARE shows broad public support for such a move."

Public opinion

Polling for CARE ahead of Safer Internet Day 2024 found that a ban on AI tools that allows users to digitally undress women and children is supported by almost 8 in 10 Brits.

Whitestone Insight asked 1,203 GB adults if: 'Websites and apps that use AI to simulate sexually explicit content such as undressing women and children should be banned by the government.'

Seven in ten respondents strongly agreed (69%) and one in ten (10%) somewhat agreed. The number of respondents who strongly agreed rises to almost 8 in 10 (75%) discounting those who preferred not to answer.

Data tables:

Full data tables can be accessed here: AI-Explicit-Imagery-Survey-Final.pdf (care.org.uk)

About CARE

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives.

Contact us: press@care.org.uk