Deepfake nude images of multiple victims circulated online
Malaysian cosplayer Elyana Sparks discovered AI-generated nude images of herself being created and sold online in January 2025, prompting reports to MCMC and police. Malaysia's communications regulator reported a sharp increase in AI-generated explicit content removals, rising from 186 cases in 2022 to 1,225 by December 2024.
What happened
In January 2025, cosplayer Elyana Sparks discovered that AI-assisted deepfake nude images of her were being created and sold online. She had never sent nude images of herself and the fake images were created using an AI-powered 'nudification' application that digitally stripped her clothed photos.
According to Malaysia's Deputy Communications Minister, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) removed 1,225 postings of explicit AI-generated content as of December 1, 2024, a dramatic increase from 186 cases in 2022.
Reported impact
Elyana Sparks was shocked to discover fake nude images of her circulating online and being sold in album collections. She lodged reports with both MCMC and Malaysian police in response to the incident.
Index analysis
MCMC commissioner Derek Fernandez stated that the apps used to create deepfake nudes are tools that can be used for both good and bad purposes, and that a blanket ban on such applications would not be appropriate. Experts argue that the issue is more complex than simply banning the tools themselves.
Governance controls
MCMC has actively removed AI-generated explicit content from circulation, removing 1,225 postings as of December 2024, demonstrating enforcement action against image-based sexual abuse material.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.