Prosecutors seized the domain names of 12 websites that illegally disseminated “deepfake” videos of 1,200 people, most celebrities and women, falsely pictured in sexual activities, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg announced during a news conference on Monday.
Bragg said his office is investigating how individuals under investigation used artificial intelligence to turn preexisting photos and videos into non-consensual, fake pornography. He urged people who believe they have been victims of the deepfake pornography to call his office at 212-335-9600.
“These horrific violations of privacy follow victims into their careers and personal lives and take an immense toll on emotional and mental well-being,” Bragg said. “Let me be clear — my office does not tolerate sexual exploitation in any form and will not stand by when businesses profit from the publication and dissemination of non-consensual sexual images and videos, AI-generated or not.”
The websites are “almost exclusively” dedicated to AI-generated non-consensual intimate imagery and explicitly advertise themselves as purveyors of deepfake pornography, Bragg said. He did not identify victims but said they included actors, politicians, musicians, social justice advocates and social media influencers.
Michael O’Keeffe covers Suffolk County police and other Long Island law enforcement agencies. He is an award-winning journalist and the co-author of two books,”The Card” and “American Icon.”