SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter has welcomed correspondence from the UK Government confirming they plan to tackle fake videos and images on online platforms.

Ms Hunter recently wrote to the government expressing her concern at the rise in deepfake technology.

However, she said that more must be done to tackle gender-based violence.

East Derry MLA Ms Hunter said:

“I welcome confirmation from the UK’s Minister for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, Baroness Maggie Jones, that the British Government will endeavour to prevent the dissemination of deep fakes on online platforms. Deep fake technology poses an existential threat to democracy and I welcome that the government plans to push through legislation to hold online platforms responsible for hosting fake content aimed at destabilising the democratic process and spreading disinformation.

“Moreover, I welcome the confirmation that the government will hold good to their manifesto commitment to ban the sharing of sexually explicit images, including altered and deep fake videos, and hold those who manufacture such material accountable.

"Whilst progress on these important issues is vital, the murder of Montserrat Martorell Elias in Derry at the weekend is another tragic reminder of the work that must be done to tackle gender-based violence. Shamefully, Northern Ireland has among the highest rates of femicide in Europe. The Executive and the British Government must now demonstrate that ending societal misogyny and violence against women is a top priority, both online and offline."