Chile Moves Against AI Deepfakes

Chile’s Chamber of Deputies approved in general a bill that would penalize the creation and distribution of deepfakes made with artificial intelligence. The measure passed with 128 votes in favor, 2 against, and 5 abstentions. It now goes back to the Commission on Future, Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation for article-by-article review and a vote on amendments before returning to the floor and, eventually, moving on to the Senate.

What the bill covers

The text is not limited to deepfakes. It takes a broader approach to content created or distributed using artificial intelligence or other technologies. Radio Cooperativa noted that it introduces the concept of synthetic content as any altered or AI-generated representation that could mislead people about the identity or statements of a real person.

The proposal was introduced by Deputy Gael Yeomans and, according to coverage by Swissinfo and EFE, is meant to protect the right to digital integrity. That concern also came through in the parliamentary debate recorded by the Chamber, where several lawmakers warned that deepfakes can lead to digital violence, harassment, harm to mental health, loss of credibility, and fear of taking part in public spaces.

Fines and platform duties

The bill sets financial penalties of between $380,000 and $760,000 for individuals, legal entities, and social networks, with private messaging excluded. BioBioChile reported that the fines can reach up to 10,000 UTM, or about 716 million Chilean pesos.

It also allows courts to order the removal or blocking of content as a precautionary measure. In addition, it requires digital platforms to visibly label AI-generated content and provide direct channels for complaints and takedown requests. Foreign platforms would also have to appoint a legal representative in Chile.

How it fits into Chile’s cybersecurity framework

The debate is taking place while Chile’s Cybersecurity Framework Law remains in force. According to the official guide from the National Congress Library, the law establishes the institutions, principles, and general rules for coordinating cybersecurity actions, sets minimum requirements for prevention, containment, resolution, and incident response, and creates the Multisectoral Cybersecurity Council.

The same guide says violations are classified as minor, serious, and very serious, with fines that can reach 10,000 UTM, or 20,000 UTM in the case of a vital importance operator. In that context, the deepfake bill adds another layer of compliance focused on synthetic content and on the role of platforms operating in the Chilean market.