Sexually Explicit Deepfake Sites Target 100-Plus Politicians in Europe
wired ·
A recent analysis of approximately 160 deepfake websites reveals that over 138 female members of parliament across 22 European Union countries have been targeted with sexually explicit content. The research, conducted by Benjamin Shultz for the Agora Digitale Transformation think tank, indicates that women MPs are 33 times more likely to be targeted than their male counterparts, with only nine men referenced in the data. Politicians from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and France were among the most frequently depicted individuals on these platforms. Many sites not only host abusive videos but also provide databases linking victims to AI-powered tools capable of digitally undressing them, facilitating further harassment. Experts warn that this widespread abuse creates a chilling effect that discourages women from entering or remaining in public office due to psychological and reputational damage. While legislative responses in the UK, EU, and US are beginning to address the issue through bans and takedowns, advocates emphasize the urgent need for stronger regulations and support systems for victims. The study highlights how the increasing accessibility of AI technology has enabled the scalable production of nonconsensual intimate imagery.
wired