This Devastating Crime Impacts One in Three Women in the UK
New laws aim to combat the rise of deepfake images affecting women online
Deepfake, Online Abuse, Hera Hussain, Manchester, UK
Manchester: A new law is on the horizon to tackle the disturbing rise of deepfake images that affect one in three women. This issue has left many victims feeling unsafe online.
The Ministry of Justice recently announced that creating hyper-realistic, explicit deepfakes using AI tools is becoming a serious problem. They’re planning a crackdown to protect women and girls.
Hera Hussain, who runs Chayn, an organization fighting gender-based violence, shared how devastating these deepfakes can be. Victims often feel betrayed and lose trust in those around them.
She explained that many victims withdraw from social interactions, fearing their images could be misused. This can lead to anxiety, PTSD, and even self-harm.
Hera pointed out that some victims never even shared intimate images but find themselves targeted by deepfake porn made from innocent photos.
She believes the new law is a crucial step in sending a message that this behavior won’t be tolerated in the UK. It’s not just a joke; it’s a serious crime.
However, she raised concerns about how effectively the law will be enforced. Will police be trained to support survivors? The burden often falls on victims to track down these images, which can be incredibly traumatic.
Hera encourages victims to reach out to trusted friends and utilize resources like the Revenge Porn Helpline for help. She reassures them that it’s not their fault and support is available.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones emphasized that it’s unacceptable for one in three women to face online abuse. The government is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring offenders face serious consequences.