MIT Technology Review AI reporting · 14h ago · 2/5
Weaponized deepfakes ↗
Deepfake technology has become more accessible and realistic, enabling malicious uses including sexually explicit imagery, political manipulation, and disinformation campaigns. A 2023 study found 98% of deepfakes were pornographic, with 99% depicting women; Grok's image-generation feature alone produced millions of sexualized images before being restricted. Proposed solutions—technical safeguards, user behavior change, and legislation—face significant limitations, with enforcement challenges evident as the Trump administration continues posting harmful deepfakes despite signing anti-deepfake-porn legislation.
98% of deepfakes were pornographic in nature, and 99% depicted women.
Weaponized deepfakes will further crater critical thinking skills, as well as our trust in institutions and each other.