Manhattan DA seizes 12 deepfake porn websites in historic AI takedown
Manhattan DA seizes 12 AI deepfake pornography websites
In the largest takedown of its kind, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it seized a dozen websites focused on distributing illegal AI-generated deepfake porn. Authorities report that more than 1,200 victims—primarily female celebrities, politicians, athletes, and influencers—had their likenesses illegally altered using artificial intelligence. FOX 5 NY's Jessica Formoso reports.
NEW YORK - The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it executed the largest-ever takedown of websites dedicated to creating illegal AI-generated pornography.
Authorities said they seized 12 distinct domains operating under blatant titles like "AI Celebs" and "Deep Fake Porn," which used artificial intelligence to fabricate explicit photos and videos of real people without their consent.
Over 1,200 victims identified in AI porn takedown
What we know:
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg said investigators identified more than 1,200 victims whose faces and bodies were manipulated into sexually explicit media online.
While individual identities were kept confidential, officials said the vast majority of people targeted were women, primarily celebrities, actors, politicians, athletes, musicians, social justice advocates and social media influencers.
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New York prohibits sharing nonconsensual explicit content
Dig deeper:
Under New York law, it is illegal to share real photos or videos of people engaged in sex without their permission, Bragg said. It is also illegal if created or altered by artificial intelligence, he said.
Bragg noted that the material does not have to be generated in New York for his office to get involved. He said the fact that it can be viewed in New York gives his office jurisdiction to act.
What they're saying:
"I want to be clear. We do not tolerate sexual exploitation in any form, including sharing and selling deepfake pornography. These horrific violations of privacy follow victims … into their careers and personal lives, and take an immense toll on their emotional and mental wellbeing. We were able to seize these domains because a brave survivor stepped forward to report crimes to our office," Bragg said.
Additional victims urged to come forward
What's next:
The investigation remains active as authorities track down the administrators and operators behind the 12 seized domains.
Bragg urged any additional victims and survivors to contact the Manhattan DA's Office to help build a stronger criminal case against the perpetrators.
The Source: This article is based on information released by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office in a press release and shared at a news conference announcing the seizure of 12 illegal websites accused of generating illegal AI pornography.