Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the need to update legislation to address the malicious use of artificial intelligence-generated voice and likeness cloning.

‘Digital replicas’ can be a powerful tool, including for the creative industries. However, when someone’s likeness is replicated without their permission it can be harmful. The Government recognises the risks posed by the malicious use of AI-generated voice and likeness cloning.

Deepfakes and other forms of manipulated media are regulated by the Online Safety Act in the same way as ‘real’ content – that is where they are shared on an in-scope service and meet the definition of either illegal content, or content which is harmful to children. Services in scope of the Act must protect all users from illegal content, and children from harmful and age-inappropriate content, including where it is AI-generated.

We are also considering whether further measures may be needed to address emerging harms. To inform this, we will launch a consultation in the summer to seek views on how we address these harms, while protecting legitimate innovation.