AZE.US
Azerbaijan is introducing penalties for deepfakes created with artificial intelligence or special software using a person’s face or voice without consent.
The changes come as fake videos, advertisements and social media messages become more common. In many cases, scammers use the image or voice of public figures, and sometimes ordinary citizens, to promote questionable products, request money or mislead viewers.
The scheme is simple but dangerous. AI tools can create a digital “copy” of a person — their face, voice and speaking style. That fake material can then be posted online or sent through private messages. The person whose identity is being used may not even know that someone is asking for money, advertising a product or appearing in a fake video on their behalf.
Under the new rules, the illegal creation and distribution of such materials will carry fines and criminal liability.
Using a person’s image or voice without consent to create photo, video or audio materials through artificial intelligence or special software may be punished by a fine of 3,000 to 7,000 manats, community service, restriction of liberty or imprisonment for up to three years.
If the same acts are committed by a group of people or under aggravating circumstances, the punishment may rise to up to five years in prison.
Azerbaijan has also introduced tougher penalties for creating or distributing pornographic or sexualized materials using another person’s image or voice without consent. Such offenses may carry prison terms of three to seven years.
The amendments also affect the media sector. Materials created with AI or special software using a person’s face or voice without consent may not be distributed if they do not reflect reality. The restrictions are especially strict for pornographic or sexual content.
In case of a violation, an audiovisual broadcaster’s activity may be temporarily suspended by a decision of the Audiovisual Council for up to 24 hours. Courts may also ban the import and distribution of foreign printed media carrying such materials in Azerbaijan and order already distributed copies to be removed from sale.
Legal experts say the new rules reflect a rapidly changing technological environment, where faking a person’s face and voice has become easier than ever. But the law does not target every piece of AI-generated content. The key issue is consent.
If a person’s face, voice or identity is used without permission, especially for fraud, pressure, illegal advertising or sexual content, it may now lead to serious legal consequences.
For ordinary users, the message is clear: videos, voice messages and online advertisements can no longer be trusted simply because a person “looks real” or “sounds familiar.” In the age of deepfakes, checking the source is no longer just caution. It is necessary.
AZE.US