UK fast-tracks offence criminalising creation of non-consensual intimate deepfakes

AI Model: Unspecified generative AI tool (deepfake/nudification tools)

I. Executive Summary

The UK government announced it would bring into effect, that week, a law criminalising the creation of non-consensual intimate images, in response to concerns about AI-enabled sexual deepfakes circulating online. Reuters reported the announcement was made in Parliament by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall after Ofcom opened its investigation into X. The government also signalled plans to target the supply of tools designed to create such images.

II. Key Facts

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall told Parliament the offence criminalising creation of non-consensual intimate images would be brought into effect that week.• Reuters reported the government said it would also make it illegal for companies to supply tools designed to create such images.• The announcement was explicitly linked to public concern over AI-generated intimate deepfakes associated with Grok on X and Ofcom’s probe.

III. Regulatory & Ethical Implications

Creates immediate criminal-law exposure for individuals and (depending on the implementing provisions) for tool suppliers/facilitators, increasing advisory demand around content governance, product design restrictions, and reporting pathways. Legal and compliance teams should reassess UK-facing AI image features, distribution controls, and user terms/enforcement, especially where products could be characterised as “nudification” or sexual deepfake tools.

IV. Media Coverage & Sources