AI-Generated Deepfake Images Used to Harass Spanish Actor Santiago Segura
Spanish actor and director Santiago Segura reportedly suffered harassment from a social media user who created and shared AI-generated deepfake images depicting him in romantic and intimate scenarios. Segura expressed fear and concern about the deepfakes, which remained on active social media accounts, but has not filed a formal complaint citing perceived inadequacies in Spanish legal protections.
What happened
A user identified as Encarni Segura used AI technology to create photorealistic deepfake images depicting Santiago Segura in romantic and intimate scenarios with an unidentified woman, according to reporting by Telecinco's program Fiesta.
The images were shared across multiple active social media accounts. International actors Nathan Fillion and Ethan Hawke have also reportedly been depicted in similar AI-generated images by the same person.
Reported impact
Santiago Segura told Telecinco that he feels frightened and described the situation as 'disturbing' and 'terrifying', saying the accounts sharing the false images remain open.
Despite the severity of the digital harassment, Segura has declined to file a formal complaint, citing what he perceives as inadequate legal protections in Spanish law against such misuse of AI on social media platforms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.