Cyprus criminalizes publication of deepfakes

The Parliament of Cyprus has passed a law making the publication of deepfakes without a person's consent a criminal offense.

Deepfakes are synthetic images, videos, or audio created using artificial intelligence that can realistically imitate another person's appearance or voice.

The law was proposed by AKEL MP Christos Christofides. It prohibits the distribution of content that imitates a person's appearance or a performer's performance without their explicit consent.

The law also establishes that image and creative performance rights are preserved for up to 50 years after the death of the individual or artist.

If someone's face or voice is used without permission, the victim can file a civil lawsuit for compensation and request an injunction against further distribution of the content.

According to Christofides, the need for the legal change arose due to the increase in fraud, fake advertising, and materials damaging people's reputations.

Of particular concern is the use of AI to create humiliating or sexualized fake content, especially targeting women.