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In Northern Ireland, new proposals have been put forward for public consultation to criminalize the creation and sharing of false pornographic images and videos, commonly referred to as “deepfakes.” These deepfakes are digitally altered using artificial intelligence to replace the face of one individual with another. Currently, there is no specific legislation in place in Northern Ireland to address and protect individuals, especially women, from this exploitative practice. This move follows similar plans announced earlier in 2025 to tackle deepfakes in England and Wales.
Justice Minister Naomi Long emphasized the detrimental impact that deepfakes can have on the lives of those targeted, particularly women. Victims often report feelings of embarrassment, violation, and humiliation, with some experiencing severe mental health issues such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Long highlighted the devastating consequences of deepfake exploitation, noting that some individuals even contemplate suicide due to their traumatic experiences. The Justice Minister stressed the importance of cracking down on this abhorrent behavior, which can have long-lasting effects on victims.
The consultation period for the proposed legislation will run until 6 October, during which various factors will be considered, including the motivation behind deepfake creation and whether the offences should be heard in crown or magistrates’ courts. The justice department will also assess the appropriate sentencing for those convicted of creating and sharing sexually explicit deepfake content. Long reaffirmed that the introduction of new offences would complement existing measures aimed at safeguarding individuals from sexually motivated behaviors, ultimately working towards eradicating violence against women and girls.
Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member Cara Hunter has been a vocal advocate for legal changes following her personal experience of being targeted in a deepfake video. In the lead-up to the 2022 Stormont elections, Hunter’s face was digitally manipulated and widely circulated on social media platforms. Hunter stressed the destructive impact of fake images on victims, highlighting the dehumanizing and humiliating nature of such violations. She welcomed the public consultation as a crucial step towards holding individuals accountable for creating and sharing sexual deepfake content, emphasizing the need for legislation that prioritizes victim support and protection
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