Deepfake Pornography: A Gendered Threat to Privacy and Dignity in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful technology that can create amazing things, such as art, music, code, and even conversations. But it can also be used for malicious purposes, such as generating fake images, videos, and audio that can deceive, harm, and manipulate people. One of the most disturbing applications of AI is deepfake pornography, which involves superimposing someone's face onto another person's body in a sexually explicit video or image.

Deepfake pornography is a form of image-based sexual abuse that violates the privacy, dignity, and consent of the victims. It can cause psychological distress, emotional trauma, reputational damage, and even physical harm to the people whose faces are used without their permission. It can also affect their personal and professional relationships, as well as their online safety and security.

According to Sensity AI, a research company that tracks online deepfake videos, between 90% and 95% of them are nonconsensual porn, and about 90% of that is nonconsensual porn of women. This shows that deepfake pornography is a gendered issue that disproportionately affects women and girls. It can be seen as a form of digital violence against women that reinforces sexist stereotypes and objectifies women's bodies.

The problem of deepfake pornography is likely to worsen as AI becomes more advanced and accessible. Anyone with a smartphone and an internet connection can now use free or cheap apps and websites to create realistic deepfakes in minutes. Some of these tools even allow users to request or offer deepfake services for money or other incentives. This means that anyone can become a victim or a perpetrator of deepfake pornography, regardless of their age, location, or background.

The legal and ethical implications of deepfake pornography are complex and challenging. There is no clear or consistent regulation or legislation that addresses this issue across different countries and jurisdictions. Some laws may cover aspects of deepfake pornography, such as defamation, harassment, cybercrime, or intellectual property rights, but they may not be adequate or effective in protecting the victims or punishing the offenders. Moreover, there are technical and practical difficulties in detecting, removing, and tracing deepfake pornography online.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for more awareness, education, and action on the dangers of AI including deepfake pornography. The public should be informed about the potential risks and harms of this technology, as well as the ways to prevent and report it. The media should be responsible and ethical in reporting and covering stories involving deepfake pornography. The tech industry should develop and implement standards and guidelines for the ethical use and development of AI. The policymakers should enact and enforce laws and regulations that protect the rights and interests of the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable. And the civil society should support and empower the survivors of deepfake pornography and advocate for social change.

Deepfake pornography is not a harmless prank or a form of entertainment. It is a serious threat to human dignity, privacy, and security. It is also a symptom of a deeper problem: the misuse and abuse of AI for malicious purposes. We need to act now to prevent this technology from becoming a weapon of mass deception and destruction.

How to Prevent?

Preventing the abuse of AI such as deepfake pornography requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and policymakers. Here are some ways to prevent the abuse of AI:

Raise Awareness and Education: One of the most critical steps is to educate people about the potential risks and harms of AI and deepfake pornography. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and media campaigns can help raise awareness and empower people to recognize and resist the threats of deepfake pornography.

Implement Technical Solutions: The development and deployment of technical solutions can help prevent the creation and dissemination of deepfake pornography. For example, AI algorithms can be developed to detect and remove deepfake pornography, and watermarking and authentication systems can be used to verify the authenticity of digital media.

Establish Ethical Standards: The tech industry should develop and implement ethical standards and guidelines for the use and development of AI. These standards should prioritize the protection of human rights, dignity, and privacy, and emphasize transparency, accountability, and responsibility.

Enact and Enforce Laws and Regulations: Policymakers should enact and enforce laws and regulations that protect the rights and interests of the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable. These laws should cover various aspects of deepfake pornography, such as defamation, harassment, cybercrime, or intellectual property rights.

Empower and Support Survivors: Civil society organizations should support and empower the survivors of deepfake pornography and advocate for social change. This can involve providing legal assistance, counseling, and other forms of support to the victims, as well as raising public awareness and advocating for policy changes.

Preventing the abuse of AI such as deepfake pornography requires a coordinated and sustained effort from all stakeholders. By working together, we can protect the dignity, privacy, and security of all individuals and prevent the misuse and abuse of this powerful technology.