Deepfakes, the alarming trend of using advanced AI to superimpose victims’ faces onto explicit material, have emerged as one of the most devastating forms of cybercrime. With reputations, families, and finances at stake, the UK government has taken a groundbreaking step to curb this menace. As of January 7th, 2025(1), the creation of deepfake content within British borders is a criminal offense, punishable by up to two years in prison.
The Growing Threat of Deepfakes
The 2025 Entrust Identity Fraud Report (2) revealed that a deepfake attack occurs every five minutes worldwide. Initially, these attacks exclusively targeted high-profile individuals such as celebrities and politicians, but advancements in AI technology have made it easier for scammers to broaden their scope to include everyday citizens. Despite the growing prevalence of deepfakes, laws addressing this crime have struggled to keep pace with technological advancements…until now.
Understanding the New Legislation
Deepfakes and Non-Consensual Intimate Image Sharing (NCII) were already punishable offenses in the UK since 2023(3). However, the new law introduces additional penalties specifically for creating deepfake content. According to a statement from the UK government, this legislation aims to address the rapid proliferation of hyper-realistic images that disproportionately harm women and girls.
“The proliferation of these hyper-realistic images has grown at an alarming rate, causing devastating harm to victims, particularly women and girls who are often the target,”
Gov.UK, “Deepfake Technology and its Impact on Victims,” 2024
Under the updated legislation, individuals can now be prosecuted for actions such as installing, adapting, or maintaining equipment with the intent to create deepfakes. This closes significant loopholes in existing laws and provides greater protection for victims.
A Call for Broader Accountability
While the new law represents a significant step forward, some advocates believe it doesn’t go far enough. Rebecca Hitchen, spokesperson for the End Violence Against Women Coalition, emphasized the need for tech companies to share responsibility.
“Tech companies must be held accountable for the role their platforms play in enabling the spread of deepfake content,” Hitchen said(4).
Deepfake Reality in the United States
The UK is not alone in grappling with the deepfake crisis. In the United States, deepfake-related fraud has surged by 1,740% in recent years, according to Security.org(5). Women are disproportionately affected, often targeted with explicit content, while men are frequently depicted in compromising situations. Even members of Congress are not immune: the American Sunlight Project(6) reported over 35,000 cases of deepfake content involving U.S. lawmakers, 96% of whom were women. The consequences of deepfake attacks often extend beyond public humiliation, leading to sextortion, identity theft, and other forms of cybercrime. Yet, victims in the U.S. face similar jurisdictional and legal hurdles, underscoring the need for comprehensive international solutions.
A Step Forward, but More Work Remains
The UK’s decision to criminalize the creation of deepfake content marks a pivotal moment in the fight against this growing cyber threat. By closing legal loopholes and expanding protections for victims, the new legislation sets a strong precedent for other nations to follow. However, addressing the role of tech companies and fostering international collaboration will be essential to creating a safer digital landscape for all.
Additional Support For Victims of Crimes Involving NCII and Deepfake Technology
For victims of deepfake cybercrime, swift action is critical. Digital Forensics Corp. offers solutions to track and identify perpetrators using advanced IP-to-location methods. Our services include removing unauthorized content, identifying cybercriminals, and preventing future issues.
If you’ve been targeted, our Sextortion Helpline is available 24/7 with an expert consultations available.
Resources:
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/better-protection-for-victims-thanks-to-new-law-on-sexually-explicit-deepfakes
- https://www.entrust.com/resources/reports/identity-fraud-report
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer
- https://www.nextgov.com/artificial-intelligence/2024/02/tech-companies-vow-fight-deepfake-election-content/394274/
- https://www.security.org/resources/deepfake-statistics/
- https://www.americansunlight.org/updates/deepfake-pornography-targeting-members-of-congress
