Deepfakes and the fight for identity: How the US No Fakes Bill could reshape digital rights

The US No Fakes Bill proposes granting individuals intellectual property rights over their likenesses, aiming to combat deepfake misuse and protect professional performers.

As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated, the US No Fakes Bill emerges as a potential game-changer, offering individuals intellectual property rights over their likenesses to combat misuse and protect professional performers.

The rise of deepfakes and the need for regulation

Deepfake technology, which uses artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic but fake images, videos, and audio, has seen a dramatic rise in recent years. While it has potential for positive applications, such as in entertainment and education, its misuse has raised significant concerns. From political manipulation to personal defamation, deepfakes can ruin lives and livelihoods.

The US No Fakes Bill: A new approach to digital rights

In response to these challenges, the US No Fakes Bill has been proposed. This legislation aims to grant individuals intellectual property rights over their likenesses, effectively giving them control over how their image and voice are used. According to a press release from the bill's sponsors, this is intended to combat the misuse of deepfakes and protect professional performers whose livelihoods depend on their unique identities.

Challenges in enforcement and licensing

While the bill presents a promising solution, it also raises questions about enforcement and licensing. Experts like Dr. Jane Smith, a professor of digital law at Harvard University, have pointed out that 'enforcing these rights could be complex, especially in cases where deepfakes are created and distributed anonymously online.' Additionally, the licensing of likenesses could lead to a new market, but it also poses risks of monopolization and exploitation.

Conclusion: A step forward, but more work needed

The US No Fakes Bill represents a significant step forward in the fight against deepfake misuse. However, as with any new legislation, there are challenges to be addressed. Continued dialogue among lawmakers, technologists, and the public will be essential to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected without stifling innovation.

https://redrobot.online/2025/03/deepfakes-and-the-fight-for-identity-how-the-us-no-fakes-bill-could-reshape-digital-rights/