Deepfake technology has become increasingly prevalent, with the number of deepfake pornographic videos online rising by 460% over the past year. Senators Maggie Hassan and John Cornyn have introduced bipartisan legislation to address the issue, proposing criminal penalties for those who share non-consensual intimate deepfake images. The legislation aims to protect individuals and ensure that laws keep up with advances in technology. With fines, prison time, and civil penalties up to $150,000, this legislation could help deter the spread of harmful deepfake content.
Victims like Breeze Liu have experienced the devastating effects of deepfake porn. Liu had her face superimposed on pornographic images and faced ridicule and shame as a result. Despite reporting the incident to law enforcement, she faced stigma and inadequate response. The perpetrator continued to create more deepfakes of Liu, causing significant distress. Institutions like Pornhub claim to swiftly remove non-consensual material, but many victims struggle to find justice. The FBI is investigating Liu’s case, and she is part of a class-action lawsuit against Pornhub, highlighting the need for stronger legal protections.
Celebrities like Taylor Swift have also fallen victim to deepfake porn, prompting social media sites like X to disable searches related to them. The issue extends to teenagers creating and sharing deepfake porn of their classmates, sometimes leading to extortion. Legislative efforts are underway to criminalize non-consensual intimate image creation, with a focus on preventing distribution. Senators Hassan and Cornyn are working to push the bill through Congress, recognizing the urgency of addressing this growing problem. Liu has taken action by creating Alecto AI to help others identify and remove deepfakes online.
The slow progress of legislation poses a challenge in combating deepfake porn effectively. While Senators Cornyn and Hassan are optimistic about the bill’s bipartisan support, it may take months to pass. In the meantime, individuals like Liu are taking matters into their own hands to protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of deepfakes. Congress aims to establish guardrails to prevent the creation and distribution of non-consensual intimate images before they become widespread. Cornyn emphasizes the need to keep up the pressure on addressing deepfake exploitation while the bill is pending.
The prevalence of deepfake technology poses a serious threat to individuals’ privacy and safety. Many victims like Liu have suffered emotional distress and reputational harm as a result of deepfake porn. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including legal protections, technological solutions, and education. The impact of deepfake porn extends beyond individual victims to society at large, highlighting the importance of swift action. With ongoing efforts in Congress and initiatives like Alecto AI, there is hope for combating deepfake porn and protecting individuals from its harmful effects.
