Denmark Spearheads EU Efforts to Combat Deepfakes with New Copyright Laws

October 7, 2025

Denmark Leads Europe in Landmark Deepfake Legislation

copenhagen – Denmark is at the forefront of a legal revolution, preparing to enact amendments to its Copyright Act that would grant citizens ownership rights over their own image and voice. This groundbreaking move, expected as early as winter 2025, directly addresses the escalating threat of digital impersonation and the proliferation of deceptive deepfakes. The initiative aims to empower individuals against the unauthorized use of their likenesses, particularly in an age where Artificial Intelligence can convincingly replicate a personS identity.

A Shift in Legal Frameworks

The proposed legislation challenges customary interpretations of copyright, which typically protect creative works like songs, paintings, or literary pieces. denmark’s Culture Minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, recently emphasized the importance of protecting both intellectual property and personal identity, stating that failure to do so could undermine the livelihoods of artists and creators. This stance was articulated at a conference on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence, hosted by the Danish Ministry of Culture in September, as Denmark currently holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Minister Engel-Schmidt is actively lobbying fellow European nations and EU bodies to embrace similar measures, pushing for a unified approach to safeguarding citizens and artists from digital mimicry. This push comes amidst concerns that existing legal frameworks are insufficient to address the complexities presented by rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Copyright Versus Personality Rights: A Legal Dilemma

While lauded by some, the proposed changes have ignited debate among legal scholars. The core question revolves around whether granting copyright protection to a person’s likeness is the appropriate solution, or whether existing personality rights – which safeguard an individual’s dignity, privacy, and reputation – should be prioritized. Luca Schirru,an intellectual property attorney,argues that deepfakes fall squarely within the realm of personality rights violations,as they directly impact an individual’s personal attributes.

Critics, including legal experts like Alice Lana, suggest that extending copyright law in this manner could have unintended consequences.Copyright, by its nature, allows for the transfer and sale of rights, potentially turning a person’s identity into a commodity. “Copyright can be a trap; it can turn our bodies into consumer goods,” Lana cautioned. The following table summarizes the key differences between copyright and personality rights.

Feature	Copyright	Personality Rights
What it protects	Creative expressions (songs, art, writing)	An individual’s identity, image, voice
Transferability	Can be sold or licensed	Generally inalienable (cannot be transferred)
Focus	Economic rights of creators	Individual dignity and reputation

Enforcement Challenges in the Digital Age

Even with new legislation in place, practical enforcement presents a significant hurdle. Experts point to the limitations of current takedown request systems on large social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, which often prove ineffective. according to Digital Accountability CEO, Ask Hesby Holm, artists have had more success with content removal requests than private citizens.

Holm advocates for criminalizing the creation of deepfakes, aligning such actions with the revised copyright laws and emphasizing the importance of consent. He envisions a redesigned internet built around user consent rather than indiscriminate sharing, acknowledging that the Digital Services Act (DSA) is a step forward, but requires more proactive regulation.

Global Implications and Future Trends

Denmark’s initiative is gaining attention globally, with other European countries considering similar legislation. France already utilizes existing image rights laws to address non-consensual use of likenesses. The trend extends beyond Europe, with increasing discussions in Latin america and elsewhere about the need for stronger protections against digital impersonation.

Recent incidents underscore the urgency of the issue.In early 2025, a cryptocurrency firm’s attempt to build a biometric database using iris scans was halted by Brazilian authorities. And US actor Scott Jacqmein discovered his likeness being used in unauthorized TikTok advertisements after initially granting permission for AI avatar creation, highlighting the potential pitfalls of commodifying one’s digital identity. Did you know that the market for synthetic media is projected to reach $198.15 billion by 2030?

Looking ahead, the development of technological solutions – such as watermarking and provenance standards – will be crucial. Organizations like WITNESS are emphasizing the need for transparency and auditability in thes technologies. The European think tank Open Future suggests a broader approach, advocating for a redistributive framework that recognizes the value of the entire public facts ecosystem.

Ultimately, Denmark’s efforts represent a crucial attempt to navigate the complex intersection of technology, law, and individual rights. As AI continues to evolve, finding the right balance between innovation and protection will be an ongoing challenge. What steps do you think are most important to preserve individual control over digital identities?

Understanding Deepfakes and Synthetic Media

The rise of generative AI has led to the proliferation of increasingly realistic deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media.These technologies use artificial intelligence to create or alter audio and video content, making it arduous to distinguish between what is real and what is fabricated. Synthetic media has applications in entertainment, education, and accessibility, however, it can also be used for malicious purposes, including disinformation campaigns, fraud, and defamation.

Staying informed about these technologies and understanding their potential impact is crucial for navigating the digital landscape responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deepfake Legislation

• what is a deepfake? A deepfake is a synthetic media where a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else’s likeness using artificial intelligence.
• Why is deepfake legislation important? It aims to protect individuals from having their identity stolen and misused, preventing harm to their reputation and well-being.
• What are personality rights? These are legal rights that protect an individual’s name, image, likeness, and other identifying characteristics.
• How does copyright differ from personality rights? Copyright protects creative works, while personality rights protect an individual’s identity.
• What are the challenges of enforcing deepfake legislation? Enforcement is difficult due to the speed at which deepfakes can be created and disseminated online.
• Is this legislation only relevant in Europe? While originating in Denmark,this legislation is sparking global discussions about the need for similar protections.
• What can individuals do to protect themselves from deepfakes? Be mindful of your online presence, use strong privacy settings, and report any suspected deepfakes.

Share this article with your network to raise awareness about the evolving landscape of digital identity and the critical need for robust legal protections. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific legal rights do individuals gain regarding their likeness under Denmark’s new copyright laws?

The Rising Threat of Deepfakes & Disinformation

The proliferation of deepfakes – manipulated videos, images, and audio recordings convincingly portraying events that never occurred – has become a significant concern across the european Union. These synthetic media creations pose a threat to democratic processes, individual reputations, and national security. Denmark is now at the forefront of addressing this challenge, implementing novel copyright laws designed to deter the creation and distribution of malicious deepfakes.This move signals a broader EU-wide push for regulation in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital manipulation.

denmark’s Innovative Legal Approach

Traditionally, copyright law protects original creative works. Denmark’s new legislation cleverly repurposes these protections to target deepfakes. the core principle revolves around the idea that a person’s likeness – their face, voice, and mannerisms – constitutes a form of intellectual property.

Here’s how the new laws function:

* Right of Publicity: Individuals now have a stronger legal claim over the commercial use of their image and voice. Creating a deepfake that exploits someone’s likeness for profit, or in a way that damages their reputation, can now be considered a copyright infringement.

* Increased Penalties: The penalties for violating these new copyright provisions are substantial, including hefty fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenders. This aims to act as a strong deterrent.

* Focus on Intent: The legislation isn’t about banning all deepfakes. Parody, satire, and artistic expression are generally protected. The key factor is intent.If a deepfake is created with malicious intent – to deceive, defame, or cause harm – it falls under the scope of the law.

* Streamlined Legal Recourse: The laws aim to simplify the process for individuals to seek legal redress when they are victims of deepfake abuse.

EU-Wide Implications & the Digital Services Act

Denmark’s initiative is expected to influence the broader EU response to deepfakes. The Digital Services Act (DSA), already in effect, provides a framework for regulating online platforms and addressing illegal content. The DSA requires platforms to remove illegal content promptly when notified, and to implement measures to prevent its spread.

Though, the DSA’s effectiveness in tackling deepfakes is limited. Determining whether a deepfake is illegal often requires nuanced legal interpretation, and platforms can struggle to identify and remove them quickly enough. Denmark’s copyright-based approach offers a complementary strategy,providing a clearer legal basis for content removal and perhaps encouraging platforms to proactively invest in deepfake detection technology.

Deepfake Detection Technologies: A Growing Field

Alongside legal frameworks,technological solutions are crucial in the fight against deepfakes. Several technologies are being developed and refined:

* AI-Powered detection Tools: these tools analyze videos and images for subtle inconsistencies that betray manipulation, such as unnatural blinking patterns, distorted facial features, or inconsistencies in lighting. Companies like Microsoft and Adobe are actively developing such tools.

* Blockchain Verification: Blockchain technology can be used to create a tamper-proof record of original content, making it easier to verify authenticity and identify altered versions.

* watermarking & Provenance Tracking: Embedding digital watermarks into content and tracking its origin can help establish authenticity and trace the source of deepfakes.

* Forensic Analysis: Conventional forensic techniques, combined with AI, can be used to analyze deepfakes and identify the methods used to create them.

Real-World Examples & Case Studies

While still relatively new,the impact of deepfakes is already being felt.

* Political Disinformation: During the 2024 US Presidential election cycle, several deepfake videos targeting candidates circulated online, attempting to sway public opinion. While quickly debunked, these incidents highlighted the potential for deepfakes to disrupt democratic processes.

* Financial Fraud: Deepfake audio recordings have been used to impersonate company executives, tricking employees into transferring funds to fraudulent accounts. This type of fraudulent activity is on the rise.

* Reputational Damage: Numerous individuals have been targeted by non-consensual deepfake pornography, causing significant emotional distress and reputational harm.

Benefits of Proactive Deepfake Legislation

Implementing robust legal frameworks to combat deepfakes offers several key benefits:

* Protection of Individual Rights: Safeguards individuals from defamation,harassment,and identity theft.

* Preservation of Democratic Integrity: Reduces the risk of political manipulation and disinformation.

* Enhanced Trust in Media: Helps restore public trust in the authenticity of news and information.

* Economic Security: Protects businesses from financial fraud and reputational damage.

* Innovation & Responsible AI Progress: Encourages the development of AI technologies that prioritize ethical considerations and safeguards against misuse.

Practical Tips for Identifying Deepfakes

While technology improves, being a discerning consumer of online content is vital. Here are some tips:

1. Look for Visual Anomalies: Pay attention to unnatural blinking, distorted facial features, or inconsistencies in