'China's Deepfake Regulations: navigating security, misinformation and innovation' with Prof Mimi Zou

Past Event

Date
 01 June 2023, 5:00pm - 6:15pm

Location
 Oxford Martin School & Online
34 Broad Street (corner of Holywell and Catte Streets), Oxford, OX1 3BD

Event Recording:

China implemented new regulations on 'deep synthesis' technology in January 2023.

Some commentators have called it a 'landmark', 'first-of-its-kind' and the 'most comprehensive' law in the world regulating deepfakes. The regulations prohibit the use of such technology for spreading 'fake' news or information that could disrupt the economy or national security, which authorities have wide latitude to interpret. Providers of 'deep synthesis technologies' must take steps to prevent the use of their services for illegal or harmful purposes, protect user privacy by requiring consent, authenticate user identity, and label synthetic content, among other legal obligations.

Professor Mimi Zou, Chair in Commercial Law at the University of Exeter, will examine the multi-faceted and conflicting policy rationales underlying the new regulations in the Chinese context, their likely implications for different actors and the challenges that may arise in its implementation and enforcement.

Mimi Zou

Professor Mimi Zou
Oxford Martin Visiting Fellow, Oxford Martin Programme on Misinformation, Science and Media

Professor Mimi Zou holds the Chair in Commercial Law at the University of Exeter and is Oxford Martin Visiting Fellow on the Oxford Martin Programme on Misinformation, Science and Media. She has nearly two decades of experience as an international commercial lawyer, tech innovator and entrepreneur, and senior adviser to governments, businesses and international organisations. Professor Zou currently serves on the advisory board of the UK Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, the government expert body advising on the trustworthy use of data and AI. She is also a member of the World Economic Forum & G7 Task Force on Governance for a Digitalized Society.

Professor Zou graduated with law Master’s & PhD degrees from the University of Oxford. She founded and led the first deep tech law innovation lab at the University of Oxford, as well as held the first academic post in Chinese law at Oxford. She has received numerous accolodes for her leadership and service, including UK Women of the Year, UK Asian Women of Achievements Awards, 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians, Asia Society Asia 21 Young Leaders, British Council Education UK Alumni Awards, Young Women to Watch in International Affairs and Young Australian of the Year Awards.