- What are AI-Generated Deepfakes?
- Deepfakes are digitally altered images or videos created using AI, often for malicious purposes like producing non-consensual explicit content.
Relevance : GS 1(Society ), GS 3(Technology )
- Who are the victims?
- Women politicians globally, including from the U.S., Italy, the U.K., Pakistan, and others, are increasingly targeted.
- High-profile victims include U.S. Congresswomen, U.K. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, and Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- Why is it concerning?
- Reputation damage: Tarnishes the credibility of victims, harming their careers.
- Harassment and blackmail: Can lead to exploitation and threats.
- Impact on democracy: Discourages women from participating in politics due to harassment and fear of further victimization.
- How is AI enabling this trend?
- Technological advancements: Cheap and widely available AI tools enable anyone to create deepfakes, fueling the rise of AI-enhanced pornography.
- Apps for digital manipulation: Photo apps allow users to undress women digitally or create explicit deepfake images.
- Case Studies:
- U.S. Congresswomen: Over 35,000 instances of deepfake content involving 26 Congresswomen were found on pornographic websites.
- Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sought damages after deepfake videos were posted on internet.
- Pakistan: Lawmakers Meena Majeed and Azma Bukhari were targeted with deepfakes that manipulated their images in culturally sensitive contexts.
- Impact on Women’s Participation in Politics:
- Chilling effect: The use of deepfakes creates a fear of harassment, deterring women from pursuing political careers and leadership roles.
- Legal and Regulatory Challenges:
- Global Disparities: Regulations to tackle deepfakes are inconsistent globally.
- U.K. and U.S. efforts: The U.K. is working towards banning sexualized deepfakes.
- , and several U.S. states have criminalized its creation.
- Pakistan’s lack of legislation: No specific laws exist in Pakistan to combat sexualized deepfakes.
- Future Risks:
- Disparity of privilege: Women with fewer resources may struggle to have deepfakes removed, leaving them vulnerable.
- Systemic inequalities: High-profile figures may get faster takedown responses, while everyday women face prolonged harm.
Conclusion: The growing use of AI-generated deepfakes to target women, particularly in politics, presents a serious threat to their privacy, safety, and participation in public life. Global regulations and stronger protections are urgently needed to address this issue.
