Landmark deepfake law aims to give Denmark's citizens rights over their image, voice, and likeness
Denmark has introduced a groundbreaking amendment to its copyright laws to combat unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes. The new legislation grants individuals exclusive legal rights over their likeness, voice, facial features, and body—making it the first law of its kind in Europe . People will now be able to demand that platforms remove deepfake content using their identity without consent; failure to comply could result in heavy fines .
The law also covers AI recreations of artists’ performances, enabling artists to seek compensation for misuse . Parody and satire are explicitly exempt, ensuring freedom of expression is preserved . Supported by about 90% of parliament, the bill was submitted for consultation before the summer recess and is expected to be formally introduced in the fall, with full passage likely by late 2025 or early 2026 .
Culture Minister Jakob Engel‑Schmidt emphasized that the law sends “an unambiguous message” that citizens own their digital likeness and is part of a broader push—leveraging Denmark’s upcoming EU presidency—to inspire EU-wide protections .
