### Denmark's Bold Move: Granting Copyright to Personal Likeness in the Age of AI Denmark is set to revolutionize copyright law by allowing individuals to claim legal rights over their own facial features, body, and voice. This initiative aims to combat the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes, which can misuse personal likenesses for various malicious purposes. The Danish government, led by Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt, emphasizes the need for this law to protect citizens from being exploited in the digital realm, stating, "Human beings can be run through the digital copy machine and be misused for all sorts of purposes and I'm not willing to accept that" [https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/27/world-news/denmark-to-give-citizens-copyright-protections-over-their-own-image-and-voice-to-combat-ai-deepfakes]. ### Structure of Denmark's Proposed Copyright Law 1. **Legal Framework**: The proposed law will allow citizens to automatically copyright their likeness, including facial features, body, and voice, thereby granting them control over how these attributes are used in digital media. 2. **Enforcement Mechanisms**: Platforms that fail to remove illegal deepfake content could face significant fines, ensuring compliance and accountability in the digital landscape. 3. **Public Awareness and Education**: The government plans to educate citizens about their new rights and the implications of deepfake technology, fostering a more informed public. 4. **International Implications**: Denmark's initiative may set a precedent for other countries, potentially influencing global standards for digital rights and copyright laws in the context of AI. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Legislative Intent**: The Danish government aims to position itself as a leader in European digital rights protection, addressing the urgent need for laws that reflect the realities of AI technology [https://www.techspot.com/news/108485-landmark-deepfake-law-aims-give-danish-citizens-legal.html]. - **Public Support**: Surveys indicate a growing concern among citizens regarding the misuse of their likenesses, with many supporting stronger legal protections against deepfakes [https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/06/27/denmark-deepfakes-copyright-law]. - **Potential Impact**: By granting copyright over personal likenesses, Denmark could significantly reduce the prevalence of harmful deepfake content, enhancing personal security and privacy [https://securityaffairs.com/179464/laws-and-regulations/denmark-moves-to-protect-personal-identity-from-deepfakes-with-new-copyright-law.html]. ### Conclusion: A Landmark Shift in Digital Rights Denmark's proposed copyright law represents a **significant advancement in protecting personal identity** in the digital age. The key findings are as follows: 1. **Empowerment of Citizens**: Individuals will gain legal control over their likeness, enhancing personal agency in the face of AI threats. 2. **Accountability for Platforms**: Stricter regulations will hold digital platforms accountable for the misuse of personal likenesses. 3. **Global Influence**: This initiative may inspire similar laws worldwide, promoting a more robust framework for digital rights. In summary, Denmark's proactive approach to copyright law could serve as a model for other nations grappling with the implications of AI and deepfake technology, ensuring that citizens' rights are safeguarded in an increasingly digital world [https://www.thedailystar.net/tech-startup/news/denmark-wants-give-copyright-faces-heres-why-3930146].