Deepfake nudes

Deepfakes are photos, videos, or audio recordings that have been changed using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make it look or sound like someone is saying or doing something they never did.

They can look genuine and may be used to blackmail or harm people.

A deepfake nude is a fake image or video created using AI that makes it look like someone is nude or doing something sexual, even when it isn't real. These images can be made from everyday photos, so someone doesn't need to have shared a nude or semi-nude image for a deepfake nude to be created of them. 

Anyone can be targeted by people who create deepfake nudes and it is never the fault of the person in the image. If the person in the image is under 18, the content is illegal and is classed as child sexual abuse material. If this happens, support services like Report Remove and Take It Down can help to get the content removed and stop the spread of it online.

Yes. Nude, semi-nude or sexual images and videos are illegal to make, keep or share of anyone under 18, including images or videos created with AI.

If someone creates a deepfake nude image of you, you have done nothing wrong and it is not your fault.

The law is there to protect people’s privacy and personal information by making sure illegal content, such as deepfake nudes, are removed from online platforms.

Deepfake nudes may be created and shared:

• because someone is interested in and wants to experiment with AI tools and image editing
• Wrongly believing it is a joke or ‘banter’
• Intentionally to embarrass, humiliate or bully someone
• to threaten or someone into sending money or real images or videos

It doesn’t matter why someone has created or shared a deepfake nude; it is never ok and it is illegal.

Even if a nude image or video has been created using AI, the harm it causes can be very real. Deepfake images can look convincing, so people may believe they are genuine. This can leave the person in the image feeling upset, embarrassed or worried, and may affect their mental health and wellbeing, friendships, relationships and reputation.

Learn more about when nudes get shared around.

If someone has created, altered or shared an image or video of you online without your consent and you're under 18, you can get help to get it removed. You can use: 

• Report Remove from Childline and the Internet Watch Foundation to remove images that have been or might be shared, or
• Take It Down from the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children to remove or stop the sharing of images

You might feel scared, embarrassed or anxious about deepfake nudes or having imagery created or altered of you.

Remember: if someone has created a deepfake nude of you, it is not your fault and help is available.