Draft law presented by AKEL
The Cyprus Parliamentary Committee on Commerce discussed on Tuesday a draft law submitted by AKEL aiming to address the harmful use of artificial intelligence and the creation of deepfakes. MP Christos Christofides explained that the deepfake law proposal draws inspiration from Danish legislation, which secures individuals’ rights over their face, voice, and other personal characteristics.
Christofides said, “We designed a law that recognizes as sui generis every person’s right to their face, voice, and other personal characteristics. With its approval, no one can use another person’s image, voice, or traits except for purposes of satire or critique.”
Positive reception and criminalization proposals
During the committee discussion, stakeholders responded positively. Christofides noted that the Attorney General’s Office suggested extending the deepfake law to criminalize harmful AI creations.
The MP also highlighted ongoing EU guidance to regulate AI issues and reminded that Cyprus was the first European country to criminalize AI-generated child pornography.
Risks of AI-generated deepfakes
Christofides emphasized the blurring of reality and fiction due to AI technology. “Deepfakes can create serious problems for individuals and society,” he said, citing examples such as manipulated videos of political figures causing public confusion, including a fake interview of President Christodoulides.
He also warned of commercial misuse, where people’s images are exploited without consent for advertisements, as well as revenge videos and other harmful content created through deepfakes.
Also read: Leadership in the Age of AI and Strategic Transformation
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