Spreading fake AI-generated images of Frans Timmermans is slander
image: Unsplash+
Groenlinks-PvdA has reported two PVV MPs to police for spreading fake images of party leader Frans Timmermans. Bart Schermer spoke to the Volkskrant newspaper about the AI images: 'Freedom of speech ends when you threaten others with violence or incite violence.'
A Facebook page created by two MPs belonging to the far right PVV party, Maikel Boon and Patrick Crijns, frequently shares AI-generated images. Frans Timmermans (of the GroenLinks-PvdA party) is often the main subject portrayed in these images. He has been shown wearing handcuffs or stealing money from the bags of white people to give to refugees. The photos often lead to angry and threatening responses, including death threats.
Spreading these images could constitute a criminal offence. Bart Schermer, Professor of Law and Digital Technologies, spoke on the issue in de Volkskrant: 'Publishing a fake photo of Timmermans being arrested is slander: spreading falsehoods with the intent to damage someone’s reputation. It carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.’
The threatening responses are also liable to punishment: ‘Freedom of speech ends when you threaten others with violence or incite violence. The reactions on this page can be classified as threats or as incitement to hatred. In doing so, you are, in effect, provoking others to commit criminal acts.’ Schermer adds that the administrators of the Facebook page are not necessarily liable for these responses: ‘Unless they effectively create an environment in which this can happen systematically – and in this case, a fair argument can be made for that. If they see the threats and deliberately leave them posted, then liability becomes more likely.’