Denmark Moves to Copyright Faces and Voices in Bold Deepfake Law to Protect Digital Identity -

In an era where artificial intelligence can conjure realistic videos and audio depicting anyone saying or doing anything, Denmark is stepping ahead with one of the world’s most groundbreaking legal moves: granting citizens copyright-like ownership over their own faces, voices, and likenesses. Set to become law by late 2025 or early 2026, this policy could fundamentally shift the battle against deepfakes not just in Denmark, but across Europe.

Why now?

Deepfake technology, driven by AI, can fabricate highly believable videos, images, or audio that put words in mouths and actions in hands that never belonged to the person portrayed. These synthetic creations range from harmless satire to devastating scams spreading falsehoods, defaming reputations, impersonating public figures, or enabling non-consensual pornography.

Until now, most legislation tackled harms like revenge porn or election manipulation rather than the technology itself. Denmark’s new bill is different: it’s “harm-agnostic.” Simply publishing a realistic deepfake of someone’s face or voice without consent becomes illegal under the proposal.

What the new law does

Imitation protection
Covers unauthorized use of a realistic digital likeness voice or facial features. Even stylized or incidental uses don’t qualify; only realistic, identifiable imitations are controlled.
Performance protection
Safeguards artistic performances spontaneous or improvise and extends even to ordinary individuals, letting anyone demand removal of deepfake content. This protection lasts up to 50 years post-mortem.
Artist-specific protection
Focuses on unauthorized AI recreations of musicians, actors, and public performers.

What this means for individuals

Control & consent:
Only deepfakes published with explicit permission are lawful; platforms or creators must prove they had it. Consent can also be withdrawn at any time.
Remedies:
Victims can request takedowns and seek financial compensation under Danish civil law. However, the law stops short of criminal penalties for individuals who share deepfakes.

Obligations on platforms & tech companies

Strict takedowns and penalties:
Online platforms must promptly remove infringing content once notified failing to do so can trigger penalties under both Danish law and the EU Digital Services Act, with “severe fines” backed by the European Commission.
International alignment:
Draft legislation aligns closely with EU human rights standards, the upcoming AI Act, and the EU’s Digital Services framework. Denmark plans to submit the proposal for consultation in summer 2025 before formal reading in parliament later that year as the country prepares for its EU presidency.

Carving out satire & parody

A critical safeguard: the law explicitly excludes parodies and satire elements protected under Danish and EU free speech norms. Though defining the boundary between satire and realistic impersonation may fall to the courts, this carve-out ensures artistic and political expression isn’t suppressed.

Future implications

Precedent-setting
Denmark might set the blueprint for EU-wide standards. During its EU presidency, it will push for similar measures across Europe.
Global ripple effect
Countries grappling with misinformation, identity theft, and AI abuse may follow suit. While the U.S. and South Korea have begun legislating against harmful or pornographic deepfakes, Denmark’s model covers a broader spectrum democratizing protection for everyday citizens, not just public figures or political cases.
Challenge of enforcement
Jurisdictional limits and cross-border dissemination pose enforcement hurdles. Social platforms may serve as the first line of defense. Legal clarity on satire versus harm will be crucial.

Final word

Denmark’s deepfake copyright initiative represents a revolutionary reframing of “who owns your identity.” No longer just about punishing harmful uses, it’s asserting property-like control over one’s digital likeness. In doing so, it challenges international legal norms, lays tracks for a new model of digital identity defense, and just maybe offers a shield against the next wave of technological impersonation. Whether this law fulfills its promise depends on enforcement, legal clarity, and how widely other nations adopt its vision.

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