Telegram AI bots used to generate nonconsensual deepfake explicit images
At least 50 AI bots on Telegram reportedly generate nonconsensual explicit images by removing clothing from photos or creating depictions of sexual acts, with combined monthly usage exceeding 4 million according to bot statistics. The tools have been used to target women and girls worldwide, including for sextortion schemes, since at least early 2020.
What happened
In early 2020, deepfake expert Henry Ajder discovered a Telegram bot built to remove clothing from photos of women using artificial intelligence, which had generated more than 100,000 explicit photos including those of children.
A WIRED review identified at least 50 bots on Telegram communities claiming to create explicit photos or videos with minimal user input, with combined monthly user counts exceeding 4 million according to bot statistics.
The bots are supported by at least 25 associated Telegram channels with more than 3 million combined members that distribute information about new features and special offers on tokens used to operate the bots.
Reported impact
The explicit nonconsensual deepfake content has targeted thousands of women and girls worldwide, including named public figures and school children, with deepfakes increasingly being used for sextortion schemes against teenage girls.
A survey reported that 40 percent of US students were aware of deepfakes linked to their K-12 schools in the last year.
Index analysis
The prevalence of deepfake creation tools on Telegram represents a significant increase in the number of people actively using and creating nonconsensual intimate image abuse content.
These tools remain easily accessible on the surface web through one of the world's largest applications despite their documented harms.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.