Rise of Deepfake Technology and Its Impact
Deepfake technology, which digitally manipulates images and videos, has paved the way for a disturbing trend: the creation and proliferation of non-consensual explicit content. This alarming issue has recently targeted high-profile British women politicians, leading to severe emotional and psychological impacts.
The Scope of the Problem
An investigation by Channel 4 News uncovered that over 400 digitally altered images of more than 30 prominent UK politicians have appeared on explicit websites. Victims include Labour’s Deputy Leader Angela Rayner, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, Conservative Commons Leader Penny Mordaunt, former Home Secretary Priti Patel, and Labour backbencher Stella Creasy. These explicit images were created using both sophisticated AI technology and simpler tools like Photoshop, illustrating a broader pattern of abuse against female politicians and celebrities.
Personal Accounts from Affected Politicians
Former Conservative MP Dehenna Davison described her experience with deep fake pornography as “really strange” and “quite violating.” She emphasized the urgent need for a robust regulatory framework to curb such abuses in the future. Stella Creasy echoed these sentiments, expressing deep revulsion and highlighting that the abuse is fundamentally about power and control.
Legal Challenges and Political Promises
Despite the rise of deepfake pornography, the creation of such content is still legal in the UK. While the Online Safety Act introduced in January makes sharing non-consensual explicit images a criminal offense, plans to ban the creation of deepfake porn were halted when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for an early election. Political parties, including the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Plaid Cymru, have promised to reinstate these plans if they win the next election. The Scottish National Party (SNP) also indicated a willingness to consider relevant legislation.
Internationally, efforts to combat deepfake pornography are also underway. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is advocating for similar laws, having experienced the trauma of encountering a deepfake of herself. She warned that such abuses could lead to severe psychological harm, including instances of suicide.
The Public’s Growing Concern
A survey by ESET UK revealed a growing concern among the British public regarding deepfake pornography. The survey, which included over 2,000 participants, found that 50% of respondents worried about becoming victims, and 1 in 10 reported either being a victim or knowing someone who was. The survey highlighted that deepfake pornography poses a significant risk, particularly for women, with 61% expressing concern compared to 45% of men. The research underscored that sharing intimate content significantly increases the risk of becoming a target.
Despite these concerns, 34% of adults admitted to sending intimate images, with 58% expressing regret. Among under-18s, 57% worried about being targeted, and 12% had sent intimate images. Jake Moore, global cybersecurity advisor at ESET, emphasized the persistence of risky online behaviors, noting that digital images are almost impossible to delete, and deepfake technology makes it easier to create non-consensual explicit content.
Psychological Impact on Victims
The psychological impact of being a victim of deepfake pornography can be profound. Nearly half of those whose intimate images were misused reported feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Women are disproportionately targeted, with a third of those surveyed experiencing misuse of their explicit images. Of these, 25% were threatened with the publication of these images, and 28% had their photos posted publicly without permission.
Despite existing legal provisions, women remain hesitant to seek help, with only 28% indicating they would contact the police if their images were misused. This reluctance underscores the need for increased awareness and support for victims of such abuse.
Preventive Measures to Protect Yourself
To reduce the risk of falling victim to deepfake pornography, individuals are advised to:
- Turn social media accounts to private and be cautious about who is allowed to follow them.
- Engage in conversations about online safety and the risks of sharing intimate images.
- Avoid sharing images that include identifiable features such as faces, tattoos, or recognizable backgrounds.
- Report instances of deepfake pornography to social media platforms and law enforcement.
The proliferation of deepfake pornography poses a significant threat to privacy, dignity, and mental health, particularly for women. As deepfake technology continues to evolve, so too must strategies for protecting individuals from its misuse. Ensuring robust legal frameworks and raising public awareness are crucial steps in combating this growing menace.
(With inputs from agencies)
