House of Representatives Demands Stricter Measures Against Deepfakes
den haag, dinsdag, 15 juli 2025.
A majority in the House of Representatives is demanding stricter measures from the government against deepfakes, where people’s images are misused online. Members of various parties want to follow Denmark’s example, where citizens will gain legal ownership rights over their own face and voice. This would aid in combating deepfakes, which are often used for fake pornography, fraud, and the spread of disinformation.
House of Representatives Demands Stricter Measures Against Deepfakes
A majority in the House of Representatives is demanding stricter measures from the government against deepfakes, where people’s images are misused online. Members of various parties want to follow Denmark’s example, where citizens will gain legal ownership rights over their own face and voice. This would aid in combating deepfakes, which are often used for fake pornography, fraud, and the spread of disinformation [1][2][3].
Initiative by Multiple Parties
The initiative comes from Members of Parliament Hanneke van der Werf (D66), Jesse Six Dijkstra (NSC), Barbara Kathmann (GroenLinks-PvdA), and Ingrid Michon-Derkzen (VVD). They propose extending copyright law to address deepfakes. Deepfakes are often used for fake pornography, fraud, or the spread of disinformation, which can have severe consequences for victims and their families [2][3].
Danish Approach as Inspiration
Denmark is the first country in the world to propose offering legal protection through copyright law. The bill there could be approved by the end of this year. The law closely aligns with the requirements of the EU Digital Services Act and the EU AI Act. Danish Minister of Culture Jakob Engel-Schmidt proposes granting citizens copyright over their own body, facial features, and voice [4][5].
Implications for Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread and combat of deepfakes have significant implications for media literacy and democracy. Deepfakes can blur the lines between fact and fiction, leading to mistrust in media and government institutions. Extending copyright law could help restore trust and protect individual rights [1][4].
Practical Tips for Identifying Deepfakes
To combat the spread of deepfakes, readers can apply the following practical tips:
- Check the sources: Always verify if the information comes from reliable and established sources.
- Look for unnatural movements: Deepfakes can sometimes exhibit unnatural movements or timing in the face or voice.
- Use fact-checking tools: There are online tools and platforms available that can help detect deepfakes.
- Be critical: Doubt information that seems too good to be true or that tries to provoke emotional reactions.
- Do not share without verification: Before sharing information, ensure you have verified it [GPT].