A ‘legal’ perspective on Deepfake content

The AI-powered deepfake technology, which is used to create fake images and audio recordings by imitating a person’s face, voice, or movements, has become the subject of a book. Dean of the Faculty of Law, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), Prof. Dr. Sevilay Uzunallı, along with faculty members Assoc. Prof. Dr. Candide Şentürk Akaner and Dr. Buket Günay Alkan, examined the impacts of such content on personal rights, copyright, and an individual's commercial reputation in their book titled ‘Hukukun Yeni Sınavı: Deepfake’ (The New Test of Law: Deepfake). Currently in the printing phase and set to be released soon, the book addresses numerous topics with academic depth, including whether deepfake videos constitute a crime, the responsibilities of social media platforms, and the protection of personal data in the commercialization process of voice and image.

“DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE”

Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Sevilay Uzunallı emphasized that the law must keep pace with rapidly advancing technology. Stating that the book is not only for legal professionals but also serves as an important call for awareness to all individuals facing the risks of the digital age, Prof. Dr. Uzunallı said, “Our book includes warnings such as: if deepfake content is disseminated, individuals should be aware that they can file content removal requests with relevant social media or broadcasting platforms; they can pursue compensation and criminal lawsuits in cases of attacks on personal rights; and most importantly, they should not believe every image or video they see without questioning it.”

“IT CAN AFFECT US ALL”

Noting that deepfake technology can affect not only celebrities but everyone, Prof. Dr. Uzunallı said, “As individuals, it’s now a necessity for all of us to act with digital awareness, ethical responsibility, and legal consciousness. In our book, we invite society to be conscious users of the internet. For example, most platforms where deepfake content spreads have options like ‘Report violation’ or ‘File a complaint.’ A video may be requested to be taken down on the grounds of ‘violating personal rights’ or being ‘fake content.’ You can also apply to the Information and Communication Technologies Authority for access blocking. Knowing these things is very important. However, trying to intervene in every kind of deepfake content through criminal law can lead to disproportionate outcomes. Therefore, a balanced system must be established with freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and the rule of law in mind. We scrutinized all such issues in the book. We’ve created content that will be highly beneficial for readers.”