Is it haram to use deepfakes?
It depends on how they are used. Deepfakes are haram when they deceive people, defame someone, or sexualise a person, especially without consent. A harmless, clearly labelled edit made with the person's permission is much easier to defend, but caution is still wise.
Why deceptive deepfakes are haram
A deepfake makes someone appear to say or do something they never did. Passing that off as real is lying, and it can ruin reputations, relationships and even careers. The Quran warns against harming believers without cause:
Putting false words in someone's mouth is a clear form of slander. Using a fake to scam money, spread propaganda or fool the public adds the sins of fraud and spreading falsehood.
Sexual and humiliating content
Deepfake pornography and "nudifying" tools are among the worst uses. They violate a person's honour and privacy, and often target women and girls. Creating, sharing, requesting or even keeping such material is seriously wrong. If you have come across it, do not share it, report it and delete it. See Is it haram to expose someone's sins online?
Are there harmless uses?
Technology is not haram by itself. Some uses may be acceptable:
- Clearly labelled parody or entertainment, where nobody is misled and no one is hurt.
- Edits of your own face or voice, with no deception.
- Film or accessibility tools where all parties consent.
Even then, avoid using the face of a real person without permission, never mock religion or sacred figures, and think about how a clip might be reposted without its label. Scholars also differ on the ruling of making images of living beings generally, so those who follow a stricter opinion will avoid even this. See Can I make AI images of people as a Muslim?
Protect yourself and others
- Do not forward shocking videos before checking whether they are real.
- Limit public photos and voice clips of yourself and your children.
- Report abusive content to the platform and, where needed, to the police.
Sharing unverified clips is also a problem in itself. See Is it a sin to share fake news online as a Muslim?
- Deepfakes used to deceive or slander are haram.
- Sexual deepfakes are a serious violation of honour and privacy.
- Labelled, consensual and harmless use is the only arguable area.
- Verify before sharing and report abuse.
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