DEEPFAKE PORN: THE EXPERT VIEW

Professor Lillian Edwards researches deepfakes at Newcastle Law School. Neil Wilkie is a psychotherapist who specialises in relationship counselling

How are deepfakes used in pornography?

Professor Lillian Edwards: It’s estimated that 96% of deepfake videos are pornographic content. Their growth has been driven in recent years by increasingly sophisticated technology that makes superimposing a woman’s head on to the body of a porn actress not only cheap and easy, but very realistic. It’s often the work of the victim’s former partner, but there have also been cases, like Helen’s, where strangers have used images they’ve found online.

What does the law say?

LE: The current legal protection varies across the UK. For example, if the deepfake constitutes revenge porn and the victim is in Scotland, it’s illegal. But, in England, revenge porn laws are drafted in such a way that they don’t cover deepfakes. However, in February 2021, the Law Commission, which recommends reforms to laws in England and Wales, concluded that this needs to change.

Why is deepfake porn so harmful to mental health?

Neil Wilkie: Being wrongly associated with violent pornography is distressing, and the presence of authentic-looking false images and videos strengthens the association. What’s more, the victim can’t ever know how many people have seen the offending content. Having your online self – something that people carefully build and shape for years – violated in such a way can make victims feel isolated, lose confidence and also make it harder for them to trust others.

What should you do if you find your images have been violated in this way? NW: Report it to the police – though their ability to act will depend on where you live – and contact the platform to request that the images be taken down. The organisations below can provide support and guidance on how to do both. Call on a close friend or family member to help you through the process, and consider finding a mental health professional who can help you process the experience.

For information and support, contact The Revenge Porn Helpline (revengepornhelpline.org.uk)

Victim Support (0808 168 9111) Women’s Aid (0808 200 0247)