This article, concerning the delay in deepfake legislation in the UK, is directly relevant to AI because deepfakes are created using AI/ML technologies, specifically generative models. The End Violence Against Women Coalition's criticism of the government's inaction highlights the growing concern that the legal framework is not keeping pace with the rapid advancements and potential misuse of AI-driven deepfake technology, exemplified by models like Grok AI which could plausibly be used to create and disseminate convincing, yet fabricated, audio or video content.
The government's apparent inaction impacts the legal sector by leaving lawyers without clear guidance on prosecuting deepfake-related crimes. Media organizations will be forced to regulate themselves and may choose to self-censor.
Businesses using generative AI for content creation or marketing must be wary of potential legal challenges related to deepfakes. Organizations will need to invest in robust detection and mitigation strategies to avoid legal and reputational damage.