Denmark Moves to Ban Deepfake Images: A Cautionary Tale on Overreach and Free Speech

In a move that should give every freedom-loving American pause, Denmark is preparing legislation to criminalize the sharing of so-called “deepfake” images and videos online. While the government justifies this as a safeguard against misinformation, the reality is far more concerning: a broad governmental effort to regulate digital content, potentially curtailing free expression under the banner of protecting truth. The Danish Culture Ministry has stated the bill enjoys bipartisan support, promising to make it illegal to share digital manipulations that imitate people without their consent. Although designed ostensibly to protect individuals’ rights over their own image and voice, such sweeping...