Germany Moves to Criminalise Deepfake Porn After Actress Case
Germany is considering new legislation to criminalise pornographic deepfakes following a high-profile case involving actress Collien Fernandes. She has filed a legal complaint in Spain against her former husband, Christian Ulmen, accusing him of spreading manipulated sexual images of her online—claims he denies. The case has sparked nationwide debate over “digital sexualised violence” and exposed gaps in existing laws.
The controversy has mobilised more than 250 prominent women across politics, business, and culture, demanding stronger protections and legal reforms. Proposals include stricter consent laws and recognising gender-based violence such as femicide in criminal codes. Studies in Germany show digital abuse is widespread, particularly among young people, yet only a small fraction of cases are reported to authorities.
Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has announced plans to introduce a law making the creation and distribution of deepfake pornography a criminal offence. The move aims to help victims seek justice faster and curb the spread of harmful content. Public protests in Berlin have further highlighted the urgency of tackling online abuse as AI tools make such manipulation increasingly accessible.
Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright