Angel Aquino victimized by AI-generated deepfake pornography in Philippines
Actress Angel Aquino testified before the Philippine Senate that AI-generated deepfake pornography featuring her likeness circulated online without her consent. Content creator Queen Hera also disclosed similar exploitation of her child's image, with both victims calling for government action against deepfake pornography and those who create and distribute it.
What happened
Actress Angel Aquino's face was unlawfully used in explicit video content through artificial intelligence technology. Aquino testified at a Senate Committee hearing on September 4, 2025, that she discovered deepfake pornographic material featuring her likeness had circulated online.
Content creator Queen Hera also disclosed at the hearing that a photo of her child was exploited on the dark web and edited with explicit content.
Reported impact
Aquino described the experience as dehumanizing and a digital assault that stripped away her dignity. She reported experiencing nausea, confusion, disgust, and anger upon discovering the deepfake content.
Queen Hera stated the exploitation affected her child's well-being, reputation, and safety, describing it as a grave violation of dignity, privacy, and human rights.
Index analysis
The incident demonstrates the use of AI technology to create non-consensual sexual imagery without the knowledge or consent of the individuals depicted.
Governance controls
Aquino called for government action against deepfake pornography, urging punishment for perpetrators, those who share and repost content, websites that host it, and platforms that allow it to spread.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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