Denmark seeks to make it illegal to spread deepfake images, citing concern about misinformation

Key Points

• Denmark’s government will introduce a bill this summer to ban the sharing of deepfake imagery and other digital likeness manipulations to curb misinformation, with broad parliamentary support.
• The measures, among the most extensive worldwide to date, target all forms of deepfakes—not just explicit content—to prevent fabricated images or videos that could create false perceptions of reality.
• The proposal preserves exceptions for parodies and satire and applies only within Denmark, with violators facing potential compensation claims rather than fines or imprisonment.
• Lawmakers aim to pass the amendment by late 2024 or early 2026, ensuring the new rules comply with Denmark’s international obligations and European Union law.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark is taking steps toward enacting a ban on the use of “deepfake” imagery online, saying such digital manipulations can stir doubts about reality and foster misinformation.

The government said in a statement published Thursday that a “broad cross section” of parties in parliament support greater protections against deepfakes and a planned bill is expected to make it illegal to share them or other digital imitations of personal characteristics.

Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, in a statement, said that it was “high time that we now create a safeguard against the spread of misinformation and at the same time send a clear signal to the tech giants.”

Officials said Friday that the measures are believed to be among the most extensive steps yet taken by a government to combat misinformation through deepfakes, which refers to highly realistic but fabricated content created by artificial intelligence tools.

Deepfakes usually come in the form of pictures or video but can also be audio. They can make it appear that someone said or did something that they didn't actually say or do. Famous figures who have been depicted in deepfakes include Taylor Swift and Pope Francis.

Authorities in different countries have taken varying approaches to tackling deepfakes, but they’ve mostly focused on sexually explicit images.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed bipartisan legislation in May that makes it illegal to knowingly publish or threaten to publish intimate images without a person’s consent, including deepfakes. Last year, South Korea rolled out measures to curb deepfake porn, including harsher punishment and stepped up regulations for social media platforms.

Supporters of the Danish idea say that as technology advances, it will soon be impossible for people online to distinguish between real and manipulated material.

“Since images and videos also quickly become embedded in people’s subconscious, 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,” an English translation of a ministry statement said. “The agreement is therefore intended to ensure the right to one’s own body and voice.”

The proposal would still allow for “parodies and satire” — though the ministry didn't specify how that would be determined. It said that the rules would only apply in Denmark, and violators wouldn't be subject to fines or imprisonment — even if some “compensation” could be warranted.

The ministry said that a proposal will be made to amend Danish law on the issue this summer with an aim toward passage late this year or in early 2026. Any changes must abide by the country's international obligations and European Union law, it said.