Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reform and expand, causing users to be both impressed and shocked by what it can accomplish. Recently, issues have arisen because AI users can now copy anyone’s face, voice, and other attributes.
AI Deepfake Risks and Occurrences
Across the world, civilians are being warned to look out for scams involving AI-generated deepfakes. A deepfake is a false image, video, or audio recording produced by AI. In the late 2010s, the term “deepfake” emerged on Reddit as face-swapping technology gained popularity. As time passed, the term came to encompass a broader range of AI-generated content.
Deepfakes were once used for personal benefits, allowing people to edit their own photos and create images for themselves. However, issues arose when other users began to steal people’s appearances. While AI is still often used for creative purposes, fraud, non-consensual images, and scams are becoming increasingly prevalent.
Because the images are often hyper-realistic and difficult to decipher, most deepfakes go unnoticed until they’ve become a real problem. As technology continues to improve, so does the use of AI. Users can now create entire videos from a single prompt by specifying what’s included.
Denmark’s Attempt at Protecting Its Citizens
In June 2025, the government of Denmark announced a plan to create the Danish Copyright Act, which will protect Danish citizens against deepfakes. The act will allow citizens to copyright their faces, bodies, and voices. It will also allow individuals to remove non-consensual AI-generated images of themselves.
On September 18, 2025, the Conference on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence was held. At the conference, various Danish cultural leaders expressed their main concerns: the safety and comfort of all Danish citizens. Leaders highlighted that if there was no form of protection provided, not only would many identities be stolen and misused, but the artistic community would also crumble.
@oanaoleonte THIS is the biggest news of the week! denmark just gave people copyright to their own faces. yes, literally. if AI uses your face, your actual likeness , without consent, you can take legal action. because your face is now protected like intellectual property. we’re stepping into a new era where your identity is an asset. where your likeness has value. and where ownership goes far beyond logos and trademarks. I think this is a bold move. what do you think?
♬ original sound – Oana Leonte
Earlier this year, the Danish government began strengthening the current proposal, focusing even more on protecting citizens from AI. According to The Guardian, the Danish Department of Culture plans to revamp its initial proposal, hoping to submit the new act in the autumn of 2026.
Jakob Engel-Schmidt, the Danish culture minister, told reporters that the point of the bill is to show citizens that they have the right to their own body, voice, and facial features, making no special exemption for AI deepfakes.
Kick-Starting a Movement
In France and a few other areas, there are protective image rights that allow citizens to act against non-consensual use of private appearances. However, Denmark is the first to reach an agreement and take charge against AI deepfakes. Others are hoping to follow in their footsteps and create a better way to protect their citizens against AI images.
“Facial copyright” is becoming quite popular throughout the world as other countries are being urged to consider forming acts like the one in Denmark. As AI continues to further develop, more people are being put at risk. Will the United States follow in Denmark’s footsteps? How long will it take for AI to steal more than just our appearances?
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