Naomi Long

The Department of Justice wants to hear from the public as it continues efforts to tackle emerging issues relating to the use of deepfake technology.

There is currently no legislation in Northern Ireland which criminalises the creation and sharing of sexually explicit deepfake images where the images relate to adults.

However, the creation of deepfake images of children is already criminalised under section 3 of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “During the last few years, we have seen an exponential rise in the proliferation of non-consensual sexually explicit deepfake images, which research shows are overwhelmingly targeted at women and girls and are yet another form of sexual abuse and exploitation.

“These images perpetuate, promote and normalise misogyny and the sexualisation of women. They dehumanise and objectify them. The harm that they cause is incalculable. My aim is to address that growing threat and the harm that it causes.

“The consultation deals with a range of factors, including motivation and the sentences available to judges should the creation of, sharing and threatening to share a sexually explicit deepfake image become criminal offences.”

Minister Long continued: “There is still time to respond to this extremely important consultation and help shape policy which would reduce the harm created by this despicable behaviour.

“The proposed offences would provide further protections and add significantly to the suite of measures that are already in place to protect people from intolerable sexually motivated behaviours and to eradicate violence against women and girls.

The public consultation closes on Monday 6 October.