Denmark Is Fighting AI by Giving Citizens Copyright to Their Own Faces  

Denmark is taking a bold step to protect its citizens from misuse of their likeness by artificial intelligence. A new proposal aims to amend Denmark’s copyright laws to give people ownership over their own face, voice, and body, especially in response to the rise of deepfakes—AI-generated videos and images that mimic real people without consent.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt emphasized that digital misuse of individuals must not be tolerated. Under the proposed law:

• Citizens can demand the removal of deepfakes or AI-generated representations shared without their consent.

• This includes digitally recreated performances of artists.

• Compensation may be provided to those harmed by such misuse.

• Satire and parody are exempt, though they might be exploited as loopholes.

The bill enjoys widespread political support (backed by 90% of MPs) and is expected to go before parliament this fall. If tech companies don’t comply, heavy fines and even escalation to the European Commission are on the table.

Denmark hopes to lead the way and inspire other European countries to adopt similar protections in the face of rapidly evolving AI technologies.