Following a controversial campaign video from the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti), in which a computer-generated version of Mette Frederiksen appears, the Prime Minister and the government have proposed a ban on such videos. This proposal has raised concerns from Jacob Mchangama, director of Justitia and an expert in freedom of speech, who warns that such a ban could undermine the freedom of expression of Danes. The video, released at the end of April, shows a ‘deep fake’ version of Mette Frederiksen announcing the abolition of several Christian holidays. Although the video was marked as being computer-generated and part of a satirical portrayal, it has received extensive criticism, motivating the government to consider a ban on similar material. Minister of Culture, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, has initiated an investigation into the possibilities of prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence to imitate private individuals and public figures without their consent.
Mette Frederiksen has expressed support for a ban and described the use of deep fake videos in a political context as “destructive to our democratic conversation.” Jacob Mchangama points out that there is a tendency towards ‘moral panic’ surrounding deep fake videos, and he believes that Denmark, with its high level of trust in institutions and well-educated population, is well-equipped to resist the negative effects of such videos. He warns against overreactions that could limit freedom of speech and information based on isolated cases. Mchangama highlights that the technology behind deep fakes is becoming increasingly accessible and that it will be impossible to stop its development.
He argues that there should be a distinction between the misuse of the technology and videos that clearly indicate their artificial nature and sender. The debate on deep fake technology and its implications for freedom of speech continues, while the government considers the legal framework for regulating the use of this technology.