Views sought on plans to criminalise deepfake images of adults

Rebecca Black, PA

Views are being sought on proposals to criminalise deepfake images of adults in Northern Ireland.

Stormont Justice Minister Naomi Long described such images as “abhorrent behaviour which can have devastating consequences”.

A public consultation has been launched on proposals to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of adults in an effort to protect the public from growing issues relating to the use of deepfake technology.

Ms Long said it is an issue that can ruin lives.

“I am proposing to criminalise the increasingly prevalent and despicable behaviours of creating and sharing sexually explicit deepfake images, where somebody’s image is inserted into sexually explicit content without their consent,” she said.

“It is abhorrent behaviour which can have devastating consequences for those whose identities are misused, the overwhelming majority of whom are women.

“Victims report feeling embarrassed, humiliated, violated and unsafe, they can suffer from anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, and some people even consider suicide because of their experiences.

“In short, this is an issue which can ruin lives, which is why we are proposing to criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images.”

The consultation includes consideration of the sentences that should be available to judges should the creation and sharing of a sexually explicit deepfake image become a criminal offence.

Ms Long said deepfake images are another form of sexual abuse.

“The creation of these new offences will add to a suite of measures already in place to protect people from intolerable sexually motivated behaviours and eradicate violence against women and girls,” she said.

“In 2022, I introduced a number of offences to deal with downblousing, upskirting and cyberflashing.

“Sexually explicit deepfake images are another form of sexual abuse and exploitation. I will continue to react and respond to enhance legislation relating to those who misuse developments in technology in such a way.”

The consultation will close on October 6 2025.