Denmark is preparing to introduce new legislation aimed at protecting citizens from artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes that misuse people’s likenesses without consent.
The proposed bill, expected to pass early next year, would amend copyright law to grant individuals ownership of their appearance and voice, allowing them to demand the removal of unauthorized AI-generated content from online platforms. The law would still permit satire and parody but would prohibit sharing manipulated images or videos that imitate real people.
Officials say the measure is designed to counter misinformation and protect digital identity as AI tools become more powerful and accessible. Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said the growing use of deepfakes poses a “threat to democracy” if public figures can be digitally imitated without recourse.
If enacted, Denmark would become one of the first countries to provide citizens legal control over their digital likeness. The law would target major tech platforms that fail to take down deepfakes, while individuals are unlikely to face penalties.
Several EU member states, including France and Ireland, have shown interest in Denmark’s approach as AI-generated misinformation spreads rapidly online.
