The Department of Justice is seeking views on proposals to
criminalise the creation and sharing of sexually explicit
deepfake images of adults.
Justice Minister today published a public
consultation as the Department of Justice continues efforts to
protect the public from growing issues relating to the use of
deepfake technology.
The Minister said: “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.
“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 deals with a range of factors, including
motivation, whether the proposed offence should be dealt with in
the crown or magistrates court, and the sentences that should be
available to judges should the creation and sharing of a sexually
explicit deepfake image become a criminal offence.
The Minister continued: “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.
“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, which closes on 6 October 2025, can be accessed
here Proposals To Criminalise
Sexually Explicit Deepfake Images | Department of Justice
Notes to editors:
1. There is currently no legislation in Northern Ireland which
criminalises the creation and sharing of sexually explicit
deepfake images where the images relate to adults. There are
already protections in place for children. Under section 3 of the Protection
of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 it is an offence to
take, make, distribute or show an indecent photograph, or
pseudo-photograph of a child under 18. Consequently, this
consultation is limited to the consideration of the introduction
of offences to criminalise the creation and non-consensual
sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images of an adult or
requesting the creation of such images.
2. Sexually explicit deepfake imagery is where an image is
altered to create the impression the person in the image is
either nude, semi-nude, or taking part in a sexual act.
3. Any new offences arising from this consultation will be
included by amendment to the Justice Bill, which is currently at
Committee Stage in the Assembly.
