Hamburg Justice Senator Gallina Calls for Criminalization of Deepfakes
Hamburg, March 21 – Hamburg’s Justice Senator Anna Gallina (Greens) has voiced strong support for proposals to criminalize the creation of non-consensual deepfakes. This comes as Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) seeks to address gaps in legislation concerning digital violence against women.
Closing a Legal Loophole
Senator Gallina, who has served as Senator for Justice and Consumer Protection in Hamburg since 2020, emphasized the urgency of this legislative change. “The creation of such a video, which is not consensual with the woman who is made an object there, is currently not punishable,” Gallina stated in the Hamburg Journal. She described this as a legal loophole that must be closed quickly, adding, “The issue of sexualized digital violence is a growing problem that can affect anyone.”
The proposed legislation aims to make artificially intelligent-generated pornographic videos (deepfakes) of real people punishable by law if they are created without consent.
Broader Demands: Criminalizing Possession of Rape Videos
In addition to deepfakes, Gallina also demanded that the possession of genuine rape videos be made a criminal offense. This broader call underscores the senator’s commitment to combating various forms of digital and sexual violence.
The Case of Collien Fernandes: A Catalyst for Discussion
The discussion around deepfakes and digital violence has gained significant traction following serious allegations made by actress Collien Fernandes against her ex-husband, Christian Ulmen. Fernandes claimed that Ulmen created fake profiles with pornographic content about her, an accusation that has garnered widespread support for her, including from political figures.
This case has brought deepfakes into sharp focus, with legal experts noting that, under current law, such incidents are often treated as minor offenses. The current legal framework struggles to adequately address the severity and impact of these digital offenses.
Other News from Hamburg
While the focus remains on digital violence, other significant events have also unfolded in Hamburg:
- Bundesliga: Despite a halftime lead, HSV lost to Borussia Dortmund, squandering a 2-0 advantage in the second half and missing a chance to escape the Bundesliga relegation battle.
- Warning Strike in Hamburg: The eighth strike day in Hamburg’s public transport system this year brought the city to a partial standstill. Buses ran only sporadically, and subways were completely halted.
- A7 Closure in Hamburg: The A7 motorway was completely closed between Heimfeld and Stellingen until Monday morning due to construction in the Elbe Tunnel. Despite the closure, a major traffic chaos was avoided on Saturday.
- Hamburg SPD Backs Senate on Budget: A key motion was passed with only one dissenting vote on Saturday, despite addressing social spending cuts.
These diverse events highlight the dynamic and multifaceted nature of news in Hamburg, ranging from critical legal reforms to sports and urban infrastructure challenges.
The ongoing debate surrounding deepfakes and digital violence underscores the need for modern legal frameworks that can adapt to rapid technological advancements and protect individuals from new forms of harm.
