Akel has submitted a bill to the House commerce committee aimed at addressing the harmful use of artificial intelligence and deep fake videos.
- Akel has submitted a bill to the House commerce committee aimed at addressing the harmful use of artificial intelligence and deep fake videos.
During the announcement, Akel MP Christos Christofides explained that the proposed legislation is modelled on Danish laws and seeks to establish a distinct legal right for individuals regarding the ownership of their face, voice, and other personal characteristics.
Christofides emphasised that the legislation aims to prevent the unauthorised use of these characteristics, allowing exceptions only for satire or criticism. This initiative is timely, as deep fake technology increasingly complicates the distinction between reality and fabrication, posing potential risks to both individuals and society.
In addition to addressing deep fakes, Christofides noted that a proposal from the attorney-general to classify the creation of harmful deep fakes as a criminal offence will be examined during the legislative process. This reflects a growing recognition of the need for stringent measures against the misuse of such technologies.
The MP pointed out that Cyprus has a history of being at the forefront of legislation concerning digital rights, recalling that it was the first European country to criminalise the production of child sexual abuse material generated through artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the various ways deep fakes can be misused, Christofides raised concerns about their application in commercial advertising without the knowledge or consent of those depicted. He stressed the urgent need for a clear legal framework to safeguard personal rights in the digital age, given the potential for deep fakes to be exploited for malicious purposes, including revenge material.
