Denmark is moving to outlaw the non-consensual creation and sharing of AI-generated deepfakes, introducing sweeping legal protections that would give individuals copyright ownership over their likeness. The proposed bill, set for approval in early 2026, would make Denmark one of the first countries to enshrine personal digital identity rights in law.
The legislation follows growing cases of AI abuse, including that of Danish streamer Marie Watson, who discovered doctored images of herself circulating online. The bill would ban deepfakes made without consent, allowing citizens to request removals from social media platforms, while parody and satire would remain exempt.
Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said deepfakes pose a threat to democracy by enabling the spread of misinformation and political manipulation. Tech companies that fail to remove offending material could face large fines.
Experts such as AI consultant Henry Ajder praised the proposal as “one of the most extensive government responses yet to AI-driven misinformation.” The Danish Rights Alliance, representing creative industries, also backed the law, citing weak existing protections for voice and image misuse.
The initiative builds on similar global trends, including recent U.S. and South Korean laws targeting deepfake pornography. As Denmark holds the rotating presidency of the EU, its move could influence broader European regulations.
