New York, NY – The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought forth a new and disturbing phenomenon: deepfake reveng...
New York, NY – The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought forth a new and disturbing phenomenon: deepfake revenge porn. In this digital age, where AI tools can seamlessly superimpose a person's face onto explicit images or manipulate photos to create nonconsensual pornographic content, no one is truly safe. This risk applies to public figures, such as celebrities and politicians, as well as private individuals, who may be victimized without ever having shared intimate photos.
According to Carrie Goldberg, a prominent attorney specializing in digital harassment and sex crimes, AI-generated revenge porn amplifies the dangers of online abuse. “All we have to have is just a human form to be a victim,” says Goldberg. The disturbing reality is that with today’s technology, anyone can become a target, regardless of whether they’ve taken explicit photos themselves.
Victims, including high-profile women like Taylor Swift and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as vulnerable groups such as teenagers, are left to deal with the trauma of discovering fabricated images of themselves circulating online. The psychological impact is often overwhelming, particularly for younger individuals who may struggle to comprehend the vast, interconnected nature of the internet.
Steps for Victims of Deepfake Harassment
Goldberg recommends that, despite the instinct to immediately remove these images, victims first take a screenshot. “The knee-jerk reaction is to get this off the internet as soon as possible,” she says. “But if you want to report it criminally, you need the evidence.”
After documenting the content, victims can take the following steps:
- Submit Removal Requests: Platforms like Google, Meta, and Snapchat have specific forms that allow users to request the removal of explicit images.
- Seek Nonprofit Assistance: Organizations like StopNCII.org and Take It Down can help facilitate the removal of images across multiple platforms. These groups work with various tech companies to expedite the removal process, though cooperation from all sites is not guaranteed.
- Legal Action and Reporting: Victims may consider reporting the incident to law enforcement, especially if they wish to pursue criminal charges. However, current laws vary by state, making it a challenge to achieve justice in some areas.
Legislative Efforts and Bipartisan Support
Recognizing the gravity of this issue, U.S. lawmakers are pushing for stronger regulations. In August, a bipartisan group of senators issued an open letter to major tech firms, urging them to adopt measures to tackle nonconsensual explicit imagery. This movement has led to proposed legislation, such as a bill introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, which seeks to criminalize the creation and sharing of explicit deepfakes. The proposed law would also compel social media companies to promptly remove harmful content upon receiving notice from victims.
Despite these legislative efforts, victims are often left navigating a patchwork of state laws that fail to provide comprehensive protections, especially for adults. While AI-generated explicit content involving minors is typically covered under child abuse material laws, deepfake porn targeting adults lacks consistent federal protections.
Goldberg advises potential perpetrators against engaging in this behavior, stating, “Don’t be a total scum of the earth and try to steal a person’s image for humiliation.” She emphasizes that although digital society cannot offer complete safety, everyone bears a responsibility to uphold respect and decency online.
The Role of Tech Companies
Tech companies are increasingly aware of their role in combatting digital harassment. As deepfake technology evolves, they face the challenge of keeping their platforms safe while protecting users’ privacy and rights. Many companies are working with policymakers to find effective solutions, but the technology’s accessibility poses a significant hurdle.
For victims, the rise of deepfake revenge porn is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that come with living in a digitally connected world. Until comprehensive laws and safeguards are in place, awareness, education, and proactive reporting remain vital tools in the fight against this invasive form of harassment.
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