• Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) says unauthorized AI-generated, modified, or distributed images of individuals can result in up to five years in prison and a fine of CFA25 million ($44,400).
• Authorities link the warning to the growing use of generative AI and deepfake technologies that can facilitate fraud, defamation, identity theft, and disinformation.
• Cybercrime cases in Benin increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023 and reached 576 cases by Sept. 17, 2024, according to the special prosecutor of the CRIET.

Benin’s National Center for Digital Investigations (CNIN) has reminded the public of the penalties associated with using artificial intelligence to modify, generate, or distribute a person’s image without authorization, as authorities intensify efforts to curb cybercrime and digital identity fraud.

The agency said on Friday, Aug. 29, that such practices violate image rights and may trigger legal action under Article 576 of Benin’s Digital Code. Offenders face a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of CFA25 million, equivalent to about $44,400.

The warning comes as generative artificial intelligence tools capable of producing increasingly realistic images, videos, and audiovisual content become more widely accessible.

Deepfake technologies can replace a person’s face, alter their statements, or create fabricated scenes that criminals may use for manipulation, defamation, fraud, identity theft, or reputational damage. Researchers have warned for several years that distinguishing authentic content from AI-generated material is becoming increasingly difficult.

A Growing Threat for Authorities

The CNIN’s statement forms part of a broader effort by Beninese authorities to strengthen the fight against cybercrime. According to figures released by the special prosecutor of the Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) in October 2024, cybercrime-related cases increased from 347 in 2022 to 415 in 2023. Authorities recorded 576 cases as of Sept. 17, 2024.

Meanwhile, Beninese authorities have expanded operations targeting online fraud networks and identity theft schemes operating on social media platforms.

In 2024, the CNIN announced the deactivation of approximately 600 fake accounts that criminals used for romance scams and fraudulent schemes linked to spiritual or marabout-related services.

Issues Extend Beyond Deepfakes

The rise of deepfakes reflects a broader set of cybersecurity risks that increasingly concern African governments. According to Interpol, online scams, digital fraud, ransomware attacks, and identity theft rank among the continent’s most significant cyber threats. Financial losses linked to cybercrime in Africa exceeded an estimated $3 billion between 2019 and 2025.

Against this backdrop, Beninese authorities seek to prevent the misuse of emerging artificial intelligence tools before they become an additional channel for fraud and disinformation.

Regulators now face the challenge of balancing the rapid growth of generative AI technologies with the protection of citizens’ rights in the digital space.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum

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