26 members of Congress targeted with AI-generated sexual deepfakes
Research by the American Sunlight Project found that 26 members of Congress, predominantly women, were depicted in AI-generated sexual deepfakes on multiple websites. The study documented over 35,000 mentions of nonconsensual intimate imagery and found that women lawmakers were 70 times more likely than men to be targeted.
What happened
The American Sunlight Project identified more than 35,000 mentions of nonconsensual intimate imagery depicting 26 members of Congress β 25 women and one man β on 11 well-known deepfake websites. The imagery was created using generative AI or by overlaying headshots onto media of adult performers.
Researchers developed a custom search engine to find members of the 118th Congress on deepfake sites. Most of the imagery was removed from the sites after researchers shared their findings with impacted members of Congress.
Reported impact
Women members of Congress were 70 times more likely than men to be targeted for deepfake pornography. Younger members were more likely to be victimized than older ones, with neither party affiliation nor geographic location affecting likelihood of being targeted.
Index analysis
The American Sunlight Project study highlighted a stark gender disparity in AI-generated nonconsensual intimate images and the evolving risks for women's participation in politics and other forms of civic engagement. There is currently limited policy to restrict the creation and spread of such imagery.
Governance controls
The American Sunlight Project did not release the names of the lawmakers depicted in the imagery to avoid encouraging searches. They contacted the offices of all impacted members to alert them and offer resources on online harms and mental health support.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.