Deepfake image abuse - meaning and definition
Alsosexual deepfakesnon-consensual deepfakesdeepfake abusenudify apps
Definition
Creating or sharing fake sexual images or videos of a real person, made with AI or editing tools, without their consent.
At a glance
- Fake sexual images or videos of a real person, made without consent.
- Often created with AI or so-called nudify apps.
- A form of image-based sexual abuse.
- Increasingly a criminal offence in many countries.
- Platforms and specialist helplines can help remove content.
In detail
Deepfake image abuse uses technology to put someone's face or body into sexual content they never took part in, including through so-called nudify apps. Because the images can look real, they can cause the same distress, reputational harm and fear as the sharing of genuine private images.
It is recognised as a form of image-based sexual abuse, and many countries, including the UK, have made creating or sharing such content a criminal offence or are moving to do so. Survivors can report the content to platforms, seek help from specialist helplines, and contact the police.
In a sentence
- Someone made a deepfake of my friend, and a helpline helped her get it taken down.
- The school ran a session on why deepfake image abuse is a serious crime.
Common questions
Is it illegal to make a sexual deepfake of someone?
Laws vary by country and are changing quickly. In a growing number of places, sharing or creating sexual deepfakes of a real person without consent is a criminal offence.
What should I do if a deepfake of me is shared?
Save evidence such as links and screenshots if you can, report the content to the platform, contact a specialist image-abuse helpline for help with removal, and consider reporting to the police.