Calls Grow for Tougher Deepfake Laws

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Deepfakes should be written into Bahrain’s laws before fake videos and cloned voices are used to wreck reputations, impersonate public figures or spread panic in a crisis, MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen has warned.

She said the rapid growth of artificial intelligence had opened legal and security risks that existing cyber laws did not spell out clearly enough.

Deepfake tools can now make false footage and voice recordings look real, raising the risk of identity theft, smears and false claims that can harm individuals and families.

Bahrain already has laws covering defamation, impersonation and misuse of communications. But Dr Al Dhaen said AI had moved fast enough to warrant rules aimed squarely at deepfake crimes.

She warned that the threat grows during crises, when fake clips made to appear as though they came from public figures or government bodies could mislead the public, stir fear and harm social order.

Lawyer Jassim Al Isa said Bahrain has yet to create a standalone deepfake offence, though current laws can already catch many such acts.

He said fake recordings could fall under the Penal Code, Law No. 15 of 1976 as amended by Law No. 25 of 2025, including forgery, defamation and insult. The Information Technology Crimes Law, Law No. 60 of 2014, can also apply where technology is used to invade privacy or harm another person.

Those using deepfakes to pose as others, spread forged material or cause harm could face jail or fines, depending on the offence.

Mr Al Isa said the harder issue was proof. Some AI-made footage can fool viewers and even make expert checks harder, while social media can spread a fake clip before its target has time to challenge it.

He called for deepfake offences to be named directly in law, tougher penalties where reputations or public order are harmed, and stronger rules for digital evidence.

He also pointed to a draft law under study by the Shura Council that would raise penalties for offences against individuals and their reputations.

Under the proposed terms he cited, offenders could face jail, a fine of between BD3,000 and BD10,000, or either penalty.