In a concerning trend, criminals are exploiting the growing capabilities of deepfake technology and artificial intelligence to create explicit and non-consensual adult content using images of unsuspecting individuals. Victims in Southern California, including Regina Knoll and Uldouz Wallace, have come forward to issue a warning about the potential misuse of social media photos for the creation of deepfake pornography.

Victims Speak Out: Shock and Devastation

Regina Knoll expressed her shock, questioning how individuals could manipulate the images of people they don’t even know. Uldouz Wallace, residing in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley alongside Knoll, shared a similar sentiment, describing her initial discovery of being victimized as devastating. Both women fell prey to online perpetrators who stole their images and utilized artificial intelligence to transform them into explicit content.

Ubiquity of Threat: Anyone Can Be a Target

Wallace highlighted the ease with which perpetrators can access social media images and use popular apps to generate explicit materials, emphasizing that the victims could be anyone. Her own investigation into deepfakes using her likeness revealed a staggering 2,000 links online, raising concerns about the scale and potential profit motives behind such non-consensual content creation.

Professional Repercussions: Careers Shattered

The aftermath for Knoll, a model, and Wallace, an actress with a substantial Instagram following, was deeply impactful. Both experienced severe professional consequences, with brands, sponsorships, agents, and collaborators distancing themselves. The victimization not only disrupted their personal lives but also dealt significant blows to their careers.

The Trauma of Public Shaming

Victims of deepfake pornography often face public shaming and societal judgment. Wallace reflected on the negative reactions she encountered and the subsequent isolation. However, she decided to confront the situation, establishing the Foundation RA, a non-profit aimed at assisting similar victims and raising awareness about the issue.

Advocacy for Legal Protection: The Protect Act

While there are currently no specific laws addressing AI technology and deepfake content, Wallace is actively working towards change. She played a pivotal role in the initiation of “The Protect Act,” a legislative effort aimed at holding online platforms accountable. The proposed act focuses on verifying the age and consent of individuals depicted in online content, providing a potential legal framework for combatting deepfake exploitation. Senator Mike Lee of Utah introduced The Protect Act in 2022.

Empowering Others: Sharing Stories and Speaking Up

Knoll and Wallace share their experiences to empower other victims and encourage them to speak out against deepfake exploitation. Despite the lack of current legal safeguards, their advocacy seeks to bring attention to the issue and push for legislative measures that protect individuals from the misuse of AI technology in creating explicit content without consent.

Taking a Stand: The Path Forward

In the absence of comprehensive legal protection, victims like Uldouz Wallace are not only raising awareness but actively participating in legislative efforts to combat the rising threat of deepfake pornography. The Protect Act represents a crucial step towards holding online platforms accountable and safeguarding individuals from the life-altering consequences of non-consensual deepfake exploitation. As the debate on regulating AI technology continues, the voices of victims play a crucial role in shaping a future where privacy and consent are prioritized over malicious misuse of advanced technologies.