New law criminalises unauthorised deepfakes
The House plenary on Thursday approved a bill proposed by MP Christos Christofidis of the AKEL parliamentary group, addressing the distribution of deepfake content.
Protection of personal and artistic rights
The legislation amends the Copyright and Related Rights Law to prohibit the public distribution of deepfakes mimicking a person’s physical features, or a performer’s interpretation or performance, without explicit consent. Protection extends up to fifty years after the death of the individual or artist. Violations allow affected persons to file lawsuits for damages and injunctions, mirroring copyright infringement procedures, and unauthorised deepfakes of personal characteristics constitute a criminal offence.
Addressing AI risks
Christofidis highlighted the negative implications of artificial intelligence, citing incidents in Cyprus involving deepfake videos and audio used for scams, false advertising, and violations of personal dignity. He noted risks include sexualised or degrading material targeting women without consent, and the spread of false political news or asymmetric threats in a semi-occupied country. Similar legislation has been adopted in Denmark, and other countries are expected to follow.
Support from lawmakers
DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas said such measures are necessary to protect democracy from abusive content. House President Annita Demetriou emphasised that combating disinformation is urgent and called on the EU to provide guidance. Independent MP Alexandra Attalidou stressed the need for executive enforcement, including strengthening the cybercrime unit.
Strengthening legal framework
The new law establishes sui generis protection for individuals’ personal characteristics, non-copyrighted artistic performances, and performer interpretations, safeguarding fundamental rights, public interest, and the rule of law against manipulative deepfake content.
Source: CNA
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