Home Office working on deepfake detection framework

The UK government is developing a world-first framework to evaluate deepfake detection technologies in response to the rapid rise of AI-generated content. Collaborating with Microsoft, other tech firms, and academics, the Home Office aims to create methods for identifying harmful forgeries. Official estimates suggest that deepfakes shared online surged from 500,000 in 2023 to 8 million in 2025.

Law enforcement officials have welcomed the initiative, stating that rigorous testing against real-world threats will bolster efforts to protect victims and stay ahead of offenders. However, some cybersecurity experts remain sceptical, arguing that the framework is unlikely to provide systemic improvements. They point out that numerous open-source detection tools already exist and that the primary challenge remains the removal of content from anonymous or uncooperative websites. They suggest that legally enforceable global legislation is required rather than voluntary best practices. The Home Office has not yet provided a specific timeframe for implementing the new framework.

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