Denmark Declares War on Deepfakes: A Legal First in Europe
- barbarela48
- Jul 21
- 2 min read
Denmark is preparing to introduce a groundbreaking law that would make it the first European country to grant citizens full legal rights over their face, voice, and body in digital environments. In the context of the rising threat posed by AI-generated deepfakes, this legislative move signals a major shift in how identity is treated in the age of artificial intelligence.
Deepfakes: reclaiming Control of Personal Identity
Under the proposed law, individuals would be able to claim ownership over their personal likeness, including facial features and voice. They could request the removal of fake or unauthorized content, seek compensation from those who create or spread it, and expect digital platforms to act quickly—or face fines.
This comes as a direct response to the spread of deepfake videos, voice clones, and AI-generated impersonations, which have surged across social media and content platforms. From political manipulation to financial fraud, the consequences of such technology are no longer hypothetical.
“Everyone Owns the Rights to Their Own Face and Voice”
Those were the words of Denmark’s Culture Minister, emphasizing the personal and ethical dimensions of this initiative. Until now, most countries have failed to define clear rules protecting individual identity against generative AI tools. This law places human dignity, consent, and privacy at the center of the debate.
