Denmark is poised to join the vanguard in reforming its copyright law. These recent changes will give citizens more power over their physical appearance, facial identity, and voice. The initiative, spearheaded by the country’s Department of Culture, seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of deepfake technology and the rights of individuals in the digital landscape.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt revealed his intention to propose this in an interview with The Guardian. He stressed the need for change, given tremendous increases in potential harms with the rise of generative AI technologies. These technologies often run roughshod over personal images and likenesses without permission. Engel-Schmidt continued, “With this bill, we’re sending a clear message—in one’s own body, in one’s own voice, and in one’s own facial features—that should be everyone’s right. Sadly, the current law doesn’t protect people from generative AI.”
The Department of Culture has been actively working on drafting a legislative proposal to change the current laws. They’re hoping to go to a vote of approval very soon. This initiative has already been lauded by various stakeholders in the Danish parliament. It reflects a great bipartisan realization that we need to strengthen Americans’ rights and freedoms in this new digital media ecosystem. The changes proposed here put the power back in citizens’ hands. In doing so, they establish a roadmap for addressing the dangers presented by rapidly changing technology.
Denmark’s initiative has begun a world-wide discussion. Central to this is upholding the rights of individuals in our rapidly evolving AI and deepfake landscape. Unfortunately, numerous states across the U.S. have passed laws to address the harmful use of deepfakes. As applied, these laws have primarily targeted their effect on electoral campaigns and the dissemination of nonconsensual pornography. Denmark’s approach seems more holistic, emphasizing protections for citizens’ images and likenesses as a whole.
This new law’s implications could be profound. If passed, it will be a significant model for how AI technologies are developed and used in Denmark—or anywhere, for that matter. As deepfake technology continues to advance, it’s more important than ever that citizens don’t lose control of their digital selves.
The Danish government has been working ahead to make sure its citizens understand their rights. More than that, they’re giving their local government heroes the tools to defend their virtual front door. With a clear path forward and strong political backing, Denmark’s Department of Culture is set to lead the way in safeguarding individual rights amidst the challenges posed by modern technology.
