AI, Deepfakes and Legal Risk: Is Cyprus Ready for the Age of Synthetic Media?
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly transformed the way digital content is created and consumed. Among the most controversial developments is the rise of “deepfakes” AI-generated or AI-manipulated images, videos and audio recordings capable of realistically depicting individuals saying or doing things that never occurred.
Until recently, victims in Cyprus had limited legal avenues available to address such conduct, relying primarily on traditional civil remedies such as defamation, privacy claims, and the general provisions of the Civil Wrongs Law (Cap. 148).
This position has now changed significantly.
In March 2026, the House of Representatives enacted Law 29(I)/2026, which amended the Copyright and Related Rights Law to introduce specific legal protections against the non-consensual creation and dissemination of AI-generated synthetic media, including deepfakes. Cyprus thereby became one of the first European jurisdictions to establish a targeted legal framework addressing synthetic media and AI-based impersonation.
The New Cypriot Legal Framework
The amendment introduces a new layer of protection against the non-consensual use of a person’s likeness, voice, or artistic performance through AI-generated manipulation.
Under the new framework:
- the public dissemination of digitally manipulated material imitating the physical characteristics or voice of an individual without their express consent may constitute a criminal offence;
- synthetic reproductions of an artist’s interpretation or performance are prohibited without prior authorisation;
- affected individuals may pursue civil remedies, including damages and injunctive relief for the immediate removal of unlawful content; and
- legal protection extends for up to 50 years after the death of the individual or performer concerned.
The legislative reform was introduced in response to increasing concerns regarding online fraud, impersonation scams, reputational harm, and the circulation of degrading or sexually explicit AI-generated material without consent.
The European Regulatory Framework
The Cypriot approach operates alongside the broader European regulatory regime governing artificial intelligence and online platforms.
The EU AI Act
The EU AI Act introduces transparency obligations for AI-generated or manipulated content. In certain circumstances, providers and deployers of synthetic media systems are required to disclose that content has been artificially generated or manipulated, including through machine-readable marking mechanisms.
The Digital Services Act (DSA)
At the same time, the Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes obligations on major online platforms to provide mechanisms for reporting illegal content and to act expeditiously once unlawful material is identified.
For victims of non-consensual deepfakes, these provisions may enhance the ability to secure rapid takedowns from social media and digital platforms operating within the European Union.
Enforcement Challenges
Despite the legislative progress, enforcement remains legally and technically complex.
Many deepfake creators operate anonymously through decentralised or open-source AI systems hosted outside the European Union, creating jurisdictional and evidentiary challenges for regulators and law enforcement authorities.
At the same time, Cypriot courts will increasingly be required to balance competing fundamental rights, including:
- the protection of privacy and personality rights
- freedom of expression
- political satire
- artistic freedom and
- investigative journalism.
The legal distinction between malicious impersonation and legitimate expressive activity is likely to become one of the defining challenges of AI-related litigation over the coming years.
How Legal Support Can Assist
Early legal intervention is often critical in cases involving synthetic media, online impersonation, reputational harm, investment fraud, or non-consensual digital content, where the speed of response can be decisive in mitigating harm and securing the prompt removal of unlawful material.
The legal framework governing artificial intelligence and synthetic media is evolving rapidly, creating significant challenges for both individuals and businesses. Timely legal guidance is essential for the effective protection of rights, risk management, and compliance with the emerging regulatory environment.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
The content of this article cannot be considered as a legal advice. For any further information or advice on the particular matter, we strongly recommend that you contact us to be guided accordingly.
