Labour’s Protection Minister Jess Phillips announced plans to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images following her personal experience as a victim. This commitment comes despite the government’s previous refusal to support a Conservative proposal for legislation against such practices. A recent private member’s bill in the House of Lords, introduced by Conservative Baroness Owen, lacked government backing. Amid rising concerns, 400 AI experts and public figures signed an open letter advocating for a ban on deepfake technology due to its potential for societal harm, including sexual exploitation and disinformation. In 2023, deepfakes were mainly used against women, with notable incidents involving celebrities.
Labor will ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images this year, the Home Secretary announced yesterday.
Protection Minister Jess Phillips has pledged action on the issue, despite the government not backing a Conservative proposal to outlaw the despicable practice last month.
Phillips said she was a victim of this trend in which explicit fake images of victims are created and shared.
“The government intends to legislate on the use of deepfakes this parliament,” she said.
“My feelings stem from the fact that I am a victim of this crime. Therefore, I understand the violation on a personal level.”
Conservative MP Baroness Owen introduced a private member’s bill on the issue in the House of Lords last month.
However, the ministers did not support this, and there was no chance of the bill becoming law.
Earlier this year, an open letter signed by 400 AI experts, celebrities, and politicians called on lawmakers to ban deepfake technology altogether.
Protection Minister Jess Phillips has promised to ban the creation of sexually explicit deepfake images this year, adding that she herself has been targeted by the technology.
A private member’s bill was introduced in the House of Lords on this issue by Conservative peer Baroness Owen, but it failed to gain support from government ministers (file photo).
The letter argued that AI-generated videos are a threat to society because they contain sexual images, child pornography, fraud, and political disinformation.
Last year, sexually explicit deepfake images of Taylor Swift went viral on social media, sparking calls for stronger regulation of the technology.
Another target of deepfake technology was Harry Potter star Emma Watson, who appeared in a fake ad on social media in which she appeared to perform a sexual act.
Deepfake videos were reportedly viewed 34 million times in 2023, and 99% of those targeted were women.