Denmark to Enact World’s First Copyright Law for Personal Likeness
In a bold legal move, Denmark is preparing to amend its national copyright law to grant individuals copyright ownership over their own face, voice, and likeness. If passed, this legislation will make Denmark the first country in the world to directly outlaw the non-consensual use of AI-generated deepfakes.
Key Features of the Proposed Law
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Individuals will gain legal ownership over biometric traits such as facial features and voice.
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Unauthorized use of one’s likeness through AI tools—especially for deepfakes—will be prohibited.
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Citizens (or artists) can demand removal of such content and claim damages.
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Digital platforms hosting deepfake content may face monetary penalties for non-compliance.
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Exceptions are provided for parody and satire, preserving creative freedom.
Why This Matters
This proposed amendment doesn’t merely enhance privacy rights—it elevates personal identity to the level of protected creative property. In doing so, Denmark introduces a new category of “biometric copyright” to meet the challenges of the AI age.
The move has already garnered bipartisan political support and is expected to go into public consultation this summer, with final adoption anticipated in the fall. Given Denmark’s upcoming EU Council Presidency, the law could influence pan-European standards on digital identity and AI regulation.
Global Implications
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Expected to set a precedent for other jurisdictions including Germany, France, and the UK.
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Offers legal tools for public figures, influencers, and private individuals to reclaim control over their image.
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Could influence policy on AI training datasets, especially in the fields of art, entertainment, and advertising.
Impacts on the Art & Creative Sector
As AI-generated visual and performance-based content proliferates, questions of authorship and likeness become increasingly complex. Denmark’s proposed law introduces a powerful framework to protect creators and subjects alike—by recognizing that a person’s image and voice are not just personal, but potentially artistic assets.
Conclusion
Denmark’s legislation represents a historic pivot toward identity protection in the digital era. If passed, it will set a legal and ethical benchmark for the use of AI in visual media, while reshaping the landscape of art law, entertainment rights, and digital content platforms worldwide.