24/08/25
Denmark is proposing to amend its copyright law to grant individuals legal ownership over their own physical likeness-face, voice, and body-as protection against AI-generated deepfakes. The amendment allows these individuals to demand the removal of unauthorised content, claim damages and hold platforms accountable.
📰 Denmark’s proposed amendment to its Copyright Act would, for the first time in Europe, treat an individual’s face, voice and body as intellectual property. Under the draft law—expected to be passed by late 2025 - unauthorised AI-generated deepfake content becomes actionable. Individuals would be able to request takedowns and seek compensation, while platforms face severe fines if they fail to act in line with EU standards such as the Digital Services Act.
⚖ This approach marks a legal departure from more typical defamation, privacy or tort frameworks. In contrast to the U.S. Take It Down Act - which focuses on non-consensual intimate deepfakes-the Danish model frames one’s digital identity as property, creating a structured and enforceable legal remedy akin to copyright infringement. It may serve as a template for EU-wide regulation, especially as Denmark assumes the EU Council Presidency in late 2025.
📌 Imagine a performing artist discovering an AI-generated imitation of their performance online. Under the new law, they could issue a takedown, seek injunctive relief, and claim damages - even posthumously, since protections extend for decades. Similarly, ordinary individuals portrayed in harmful deepfake videos could invoke their new proprietary rights. The burden on digital platforms, such as Meta or X, to monitor and remove unauthorised imitations will be significant.
In sum, Denmark is pioneering a bold reframing of digital identity-treating a person’s physical likeness as copyright-worthy property. This gives individuals clear legal standing to remove unauthorised AI imitations and pursue compensation, while holding platforms responsible. The proposal could herald a major shift in digital rights and platform liability across Europe.
For tailored advice on navigating evolving AI-identity laws and protecting clients' digital personae, contact NUR Legal. We stand ready to guide you through these uncharted but critical legal frontiers.
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Nurlan Mamedov