Deepfakes On Trial: A Mixed-methods Study of Student Perceptions and Regulatory Concerns about Non-consensual Deepfakes at the London School of Economics and Political Science

Abstract: 

Despite the extensive academic discussion on borderless personal and legal repercussions of deepfakes, limited studies have explicitly investigated the youth’s awareness about non-consensual deepfakes and perception of the need for stricter law enforcement. The objective of this study is to critically evaluate: a) perceptions of deepfakes, their risks and impacts; b) the awareness amongst LSE students of deepfake regulations; and c) LSE students’ views on the need to criminalise deepfakes, all while accounting for the salience of gender and ethnicity. The study utilised a mixed-method approach to identify patterns within a survey and focus group. Quantitative data were gathered to explore the LSE community’s awareness, perception, and opinions on criminal justice around deepfake content. One focus group was then conducted, which allowed for analysis of the rationale behind the survey results. Based on the data, there are heightened concerns about non-consensual deepfakes among the LSE student community and strong support for formal recognition of deepfakes as illegal, coupled with the need for stricter regulatory frameworks. These findings may have future policy implications, resulting in the enactment of victim-centred laws and prevention of negative impacts caused by non-consensual deepfakes.