Collien Ulmen-Fernandes targeted by deepfake pornography
Collien Ulmen-Fernandes discovered numerous deepfake pornographic images of herself online during research for a ZDF documentary, with her face placed on other bodies and fake profiles using her identity to solicit money. She reported high realism of the images and concern about reputational damage, while police declined to investigate related ticket fraud because no actual financial loss had occurred.
What happened
During research for a ZDF documentary called 'Die Spur: Deepfake-Pornos' (broadcast 11 December 2024), Collien Ulmen-Fernandes discovered numerous fake pornographic images of herself on the internet.
Using artificial intelligence, her face had been placed on other women's bodies. She also discovered fake profiles using her identity that exchanged increasingly explicit messages with men, escalating from suggestive chat to images to sex videos.
One of the fake images depicted her alongside her husband Christian Ulmen.
Reported impact
Ulmen-Fernandes stated the images are highly realistic and frighten her, and that she has engaged a lawyer, describing it as "a fight against windmills".
She reported concern about reputational damage, saying "My reputation is damaged when I receive messages in which people complain that I am ripping off my fans."
Index analysis
According to the documentary, approximately 99 percent of victims of deepfake pornography are women, with no known cases of prominent men being similarly targeted.
A ZDF staff member discovered that fake profiles were being used to sell Meet & Greet event tickets (priced at 50 to 60 euros) and subsequently attempted to extract money from them.
Governance controls
Ulmen-Fernandes engaged a lawyer in response to the discovery.
When a ZDF staff member reported the ticket fraud to police, authorities declined to open an investigation, stating no victim had incurred financial loss since the staff member had not sent money.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.