UK's 'world-first' deepfake detection framework unlikely to stop the fakes, says expert

By Richard Speed for The Register
Thursday, February 5, 2026

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The UK government claims it will develop a "world-first" framework to evaluate deepfake detection technologies as AI-generated content proliferates.

However, Dr Ilia Kolochenko, CEO at ImmuniWeb, a Swiss cybersecurity biz, said the plan "will quite unlikely make any systemic improvements in the near future."

Kolochenko pointed to numerous open source tools and groups of experts that already exist to track and expose AI-generated content. "Even if an AI fake is detected, the biggest question is what to do next," he told The Register. "Reputable media and websites will likely take it down rapidly even without scientific proof that it is an AI fake."

Clandestine or anonymous media are unlikely to be as cooperative.

"We need a systemic and global amendment of legislation – not just legally unenforceable code of conduct or best practices – to stop the surging harm of AI-created content," Kolochenko added. "In sum, while this commendable action is a solid start, we are still very far from a final solution."

The Register asked the Home Office for a time frame for the framework and the technology being used, but did not receive a response. Microsoft directed us to the Home Office's statement. Read Full Article