New laws criminalize deepfake creation in landmark digital rights case

In a vote welcomed by digital rights advocates and child protection groups alike, parliament has passed sweeping new legislation criminalizing the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake imagery, with penalties of up to seven years in prison.

The law, considered one of the strictest in the world, was developed in close consultation with technology platforms, victim support organizations, and a cross-party committee of legislators.

Tech companies operating in the country will now be required to implement detection systems and proactive reporting mechanisms, with substantial corporate fines for non-compliance.

Critics argue that enforcement will be the real test, particularly given the cross-border nature of much synthetic media. Supporters counter that strong domestic law is a necessary first step.