The U.S. Copyright Office has released an urgent call for new legislation to address the growing problem of deepfakes.
On July 31, the Office published the first part of a series of reports on the legal and policy challenges posed by artificial intelligence and copyright law.
Deepfakes, or AI-generated digital replicas, present unique threats that existing copyright laws can’t adequately address.
The report emphasizes the need for swift federal action, citing the rapid advancement and potential harm of these digital forgeries.
These unauthorized replicas can damage reputations and livelihoods across various sectors, including entertainment, politics, and private individuals.
Shira Perlmutter, the Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office highlighted the severity of the issue in a press statement.
“Unauthorized digital replicas pose a significant threat, not just in the entertainment and political arenas, but also to private citizens. There is an urgent need for effective nationwide protection against these harms,” she said.
The proposed law aims to be more targeted than current copyright infringement laws, focusing on the distribution and availability of unauthorized digital replicas rather than their creation.
However, creators could still be held liable if they produce deepfakes with harmful intent.
The report cites the direct financial and reputational risks businesses and individuals face due to deepfakes.
It also suggests that liability should extend beyond commercial markets, recognizing that individuals can also be harmed by these digital forgeries.
While the report’s recommendations are not legally binding, they serve as crucial advice to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government.
As the country approaches the 2024 presidential election, it’s expected that Congress and future leaders will consider these recommendations seriously.
