TLDR: Denmark is set to implement a landmark national law targeting non-consensual deepfakes, making it illegal to publish AI-manipulated media depicting real individuals without their explicit consent. This groundbreaking legislation aims to safeguard digital identity and privacy rights, with platforms facing fines for non-compliance. The bill, expected to pass with significant parliamentary support, positions Denmark as a leader in regulating AI-generated content.
Denmark is on the cusp of enacting a pioneering national law designed to combat the growing threat of deepfakes, marking a significant step in the global effort to regulate AI-generated content. The proposed legislation, introduced by Denmark’s Ministry of Culture, will make it illegal to use an individual’s likeness or voice in AI-manipulated media without their explicit consent. This move is a direct response to the increasing sophistication and proliferation of deepfake technologies, which can create eerily convincing fake videos, images, and audio.
The new bill prohibits the unauthorized use of an individual’s image or voice and grants affected individuals the right to seek compensation. While the law makes allowances for satire and parody, it explicitly bans the use of deepfakes in artistic performances and other contexts where consent has not been obtained. A crucial aspect of the proposed framework is the accountability of online platforms; those that fail to remove illegal deepfake content upon request could face substantial fines.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt has emphasized the urgency of this legislation, stating, “It’s high time we create a safeguard against the spread of misinformation and send a clear signal to the tech giants.” The Ministry of Culture further articulated the rationale behind the law, noting that “Digitally manipulated versions of an image or video can create fundamental doubts about—and perhaps even a completely wrong perception of—what are genuine depictions of reality. The agreement is therefore intended to ensure the right to one’s own body and voice.”
The legislation is expected to garner strong bipartisan support, with projections indicating up to 90% approval in parliament. If adopted, Denmark would become the first country in the region to implement such comprehensive legal measures against deepfakes. This initiative follows recent incidents, including the spread of a fake video involving Denmark’s Prime Minister and legal actions against creators of pornographic deepfakes.
Unlike many existing laws in other countries, which often focus solely on sexually explicit deepfakes, Denmark’s proposed model is broader, covering any manipulated digital likeness. This comprehensive approach acknowledges the wide-ranging potential for misuse of these powerful AI tools, from spreading misinformation and influencing elections to undermining personal reputation and privacy. While the law is not expected to carry criminal penalties, it provides a robust legal basis for individuals to demand the removal of illegal deepfakes and potentially seek compensation.
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The bill, which was submitted for consultation in early July 2025, is anticipated to be put before parliament this summer, with hopes of passing it by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This pioneering legislation is also seen as a catalyst for broader discussions across Europe regarding the ethical use and regulation of AI technology, as other European nations closely monitor Denmark’s progress in this critical area.
