AI deepfake technology is being weaponized to sexually abuse women, causing severe psychological harm. Despite the rise in deepfake abuse, the legal system and social media platforms struggle to protect victims effectively.
Survivors face challenges when reporting abuse, as the legal framework often fails to cover deepfake scenarios. Additionally, platforms are slow to respond and remove harmful content. This leaves victims re-traumatized, uncertain about legal recourse, and bearing the burden of tracking and reporting the spread of their images across various platforms.
To combat this issue, governments need to enact specific legislation addressing deepfake abuse. Law enforcement must receive training and resources to handle digital evidence and coordinate internationally. Tech companies should be held accountable for monitoring and promptly removing abusive content. Finally, educational programs must be implemented to prevent abuse and provide support for survivors.
UN Women has emphasized that this is not just an online issue but a global crisis, affecting women's safety and mental health.