This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Celebrity victim-survivors of deepfake sexual abuse face distinctive forms of victim-blaming, harassment and barriers to justice, according to new research led by Irish researchers. The study, published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, is the first to identify deepfake-specific victim-blaming and harm-minimizing myths in celebrity victims' experiences.
It also reveals a dilemma for celebrities who speak publicly about the abuse: Raising awareness can expose them to further harassment and new incidents of deepfake abuse. Deepfake sexual abuse involves the creation or manipulation of intimate imagery using AI without the consent of the person depicted. Analyzing public statements from celebrity victims, the researchers found reports of significant psychological and emotional distress, as well as social and reputational harm.
Victims faced claims that deepfake sexual images are not harmful because they are "fake," or that celebrities should "expect" such content because they are public figures. Some described the experience as being placed into online sex work without their consent, with others creating, distributing and, in some cases, profiting from sexual content generated using their likeness. The study finds that these myths can compound the harm by minimizing victims' experiences and fueling online harassment.
The research was led by researchers at University College Cork (UCC) and the University of Limerick (UL). The research also highlights the difficult choices victims face when deciding whether to speak publicly about deepfake sexual abuse. Some celebrities remain silent because they fear permanently associating their name with sexually explicit deepfake content.
Victims also express concerns that publicity could drive more people to search for, view or create abusive imagery. Those who choose to advocate publicly against deepfake abuse can face another risk: becoming targets for further incidents of abuse. John Twomey, who led the research as part of his Ph.D. studies at UCC and is now an assistant professor in psychology at UL, said, "Speaking out about deepfake sexual abuse can come at a real cost.
Our study found that celebrities who publicly challenged this abuse or became advocates against it could find themselves targeted with further deepfake content. This creates a deeply troubling situation where victims who speak out to challenge the abuse and protect others may risk exposing themselves to further harm." The study also examines victims' attempts to remove deepfake sexual content and hold those responsible accountable. Victims described reporting and removal processes that demand substantial time and effort, including finding and documenting abusive material, often with limited results.
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