Northern Ireland Seeks to Tackle Explicit Deepfakes with New Consultation

The issue of explicit deepfakes has become a growing concern in Northern Ireland, with many victims coming forward to share their experiences of being targeted by this form of abuse. Explicit deepfakes involve the use of artificial intelligence to create realistic and convincing images or videos that depict individuals in compromising or explicit situations without their consent. This can have serious consequences for the victims, including emotional distress, damage to their reputation, and even physical harm. In response to this issue, a consultation has been launched to gather views on how to tackle explicit deepfakes and provide support for victims. The consultation will consider a range of options, including the introduction of new laws and regulations to criminalize the creation and distribution of explicit deepfakes. MLA’s have emphasized the need for the consultation to deliver concrete results for victims, who have often been left feeling helpless and unsupported. The consultation will also examine the role of social media companies in facilitating the spread of explicit deepfakes and consider measures to hold them accountable. Furthermore, the consultation will look at ways to educate the public about the dangers of explicit deepfakes and how to protect themselves from becoming victims. The issue of explicit deepfakes is not unique to Northern Ireland, but the region’s unique history and social context make it an important testing ground for new approaches to tackling this issue. The consultation will be open for several weeks, allowing individuals and organizations to submit their views and suggestions. The responses will then be analyzed and used to inform the development of new policies and laws to address the issue of explicit deepfakes. It is hoped that the consultation will lead to a significant reduction in the number of explicit deepfakes being created and distributed, and that victims will finally receive the support and justice they deserve. The consultation is a crucial step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for everyone in Northern Ireland. By working together, it is possible to create a society where explicit deepfakes are no longer tolerated and victims are protected. The launch of the consultation has been welcomed by victim support groups, who have been campaigning for action on this issue for some time. However, some have expressed concerns that the consultation may not go far enough, and that more needs to be done to address the root causes of explicit deepfakes. Overall, the consultation on explicit deepfakes is an important step towards tackling this emerging form of abuse and providing support for victims.

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