Portrait Rights as a Weapon Against Deepfakes: Expert Calls for Expansion
amsterdam, woensdag, 30 juli 2025.
Etienne Valk, an expert in digital rights, advocates for the expansion of portrait rights to more effectively combat harmful deepfakes. According to Valk, the current approach through copyright primarily serves commercial interests, while expanding portrait rights would better protect individuals. The debate is gaining momentum at a time when deepfakes are increasingly being used for disinformation and manipulation.
Current Legislation Insufficient
The current legislation offers insufficient protection against harmful deepfakes, according to Etienne Valk. He argues that the approach through copyright primarily serves the interests of commercial parties. Instead, Valk calls for an expansion of portrait rights, which would protect not only the face but also the voice and body. This would be referred to as ‘personal characteristics rights’ and would be more focused on protecting individuals [1][2].
International Developments
Internationally, there are already developments aimed at more effectively combating deepfakes. For example, Denmark has submitted a bill that grants everyone copyright over their appearance and voice, effective from 27 June 2025 [2]. The Netherlands is considering following Denmark’s lead in the fight against deepfakes, with expected legislation in 2026 [3].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The rise of deepfakes has both positive and negative implications for media literacy and democracy. On the positive side, deepfakes can be used for educational purposes and creative expression. On the negative side, they pose a serious threat to the privacy and integrity of individuals and can be used for disinformation and manipulation. Strengthening portrait rights would help combat these negative aspects [1][3].
Practical Tips for Readers
To identify fake news and deepfakes, readers can apply the following practical tips:
- Check Sources: Always verify the sources of news articles and videos. Reliable media outlets often have a good reputation and are known for their accurate reporting.
- Consult Multiple Sources: Compare information from multiple sources to get a more balanced view.
- Use Fact-Checking Websites: Utilise fact-checking websites such as Full Fact, Snopes, or FactCheck.org to verify claims.
- Observe Technical Features: Look for technical features such as unnatural movements, unclear sound quality, or unusual body language that may indicate a deepfake.
- Critical Thinking: Always remain critical and question whether the information is logical and coherent.
These tips can help increase the reliability of information and reduce the impact of deepfakes [GPT].