The UK Government has pledged to take action against deepfake abuse following a campaign led by Conservative Baroness Owen of Alderley Edge in the House of Lords. Campaigners have hailed the move as a significant victory in the fight against misogyny, as Parliament continues to address the misuse of artificial intelligence to create non-consensual explicit content.
Baroness Owen’s fight against deepfake abuse
Lady Owen, 31, has been at the forefront of efforts to outlaw the creation and solicitation of intimate images without consent. Her campaign in the House of Lords sought to clamp down on the growing use of generative AI tools—such as so-called ‘nudify apps’—that allow users to produce fake nude images or videos of individuals.
Her Non-Consensual Sexually Explicit Images and Videos (Offences) Bill successfully passed its final stages in the Lords on Friday. However, due to a lack of Government backing in its current form, the Bill is unlikely to progress further. Instead, ministers have agreed to incorporate its key provisions into the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which is expected to receive greater parliamentary support.
Under the proposed legal changes, it will become a criminal offence to create a sexually explicit deepfake image or video without the subject’s consent. Additionally, law enforcement will be given powers to confiscate illicit material and the hardware used to produce it.
Cross-party praise for baroness Owen’s efforts
Speaking in the Lords, Lady Owen expressed gratitude to campaigners and charities who had supported her cause, stating:
“I feel very optimistic that the content of this Bill has been addressed and accepted by the Government in a different format. I hope the Commons will recognise the strength of feeling across this House on deepfake image abuse, and I’m hopeful we are now one step closer to seeing its end.”
Her efforts were widely applauded by fellow peers across party lines. Liberal Democrat peer Lord Clement-Jones, 75, praised the campaign, declaring:
“This is part of a wider battle against misogyny, and Baroness Owen has landed a really important blow in that battle.”
Labour peer Lord Mann commended Lady Owen’s determination and “courage” in bringing forward the proposals, adding:
“The country is with her on this.”
The 65-year-old also reflected on the importance of younger voices in the Lords, quipping that he had joined as a “youngster” in 2019, despite being of an older generation. He remarked:
“It’s very appropriate to note that this place doesn’t simply require people of my generation—free bus pass people—bringing great wisdom and experience. It can also equally, and sometimes more, benefit from younger voices bringing a different, more modern perspective. Perhaps that points some direction to the future of this place.”
Government pledges to protect victims of Deepfake abuse
Justice minister Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede, 66, affirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting victims of deepfake abuse, stating:
“I absolutely agree that the Government should and does stand with the victims, and it’s the victims who are the main beneficiaries for the changes that we’re planning to put through.”
He also echoed Lord Clement-Jones’ comments about the broader significance of the crackdown, adding:
“This is part of a wider battle, and it’s a wider battle that we’ll continue to fight through other pieces of legislation.”
Lord Ponsonby further acknowledged the positive impact of Lady Owen’s campaigning, noting that the “country supports Baroness Owen.” Reflecting on his own experience joining the Lords at a similar age to Lady Owen, he said:
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“You can make changes, and the House is a welcoming place. (Lady Owen) certainly has used her seat in this House for the benefit of victims.”
Parliament’s growing focus on AI regulation
The debate on deepfake abuse comes amid broader discussions on the regulation of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making. Elsewhere in the Lords, the Public Authority Algorithmic and Automated Decision-Making Systems Bill cleared the House but now faces a challenge in securing parliamentary time in the Commons.
The Bill, introduced by Lord Clement-Jones, seeks to establish a mandatory framework for the responsible use of algorithmic and automated decision-making systems in the public sector.
Labour whip Lord Leong acknowledged the importance of the issue, stating that the Government is already “taking active steps” to address concerns over AI-driven decision-making.
A step forward in the fight against digital misogyny
Campaigners have welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing deepfake abuse, with many viewing the proposed legal changes as a significant step forward in tackling technology-facilitated misogyny. However, they also stress the need for continued vigilance in ensuring that emerging AI tools do not become further vehicles for harassment and exploitation.
As legislation moves forward, the onus will be on the Government to deliver on its promises and ensure robust enforcement mechanisms are in place to protect victims from the devastating impact of deepfake abuse.
