Deepfakes have become an unsettling phenomenon in recent years, rising from niche technology to a widespread cultural issue that affects millions. While deepfakes hold potential for media and innovation, the darker side of this technology is alarming. AI-powered deepfake porn, specifically targeting women, threatens their sense of self-control, consent, and safety in the digital world. Victims are forced to see their likeness in explicit content they never agreed to, leaving lasting emotional trauma.

In January 2023, this issue gained global attention when popular Twitch streamer Brandon “Atrioc” Ewing accidentally revealed that he had viewed and paid for deepfake porn of fellow female creators without their consent. One of those creators, QTCinderella, responded publicly, shedding light on the devastating impact non-consensual deepfake porn can have on victims. This incident triggered national conversations around consent, safety, and the urgent need for legal protections.

In this episode, we explore the troubling implications of deepfake technology on privacy and autonomy, using the Atrioc controversy as a case study. From the legal loopholes that make deepfake porn hard to combat to the emotional toll on victims, we’ll delve into how this technology magnifies the sexualization of women, often with no legal recourse or protection. By the end of the episode, you’ll have insight into the evolving digital landscape, the necessity of safeguards, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and loved ones in the face of AI’s rapid advancements.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Atrioc deepfake controversy: how it unfolded and its implications
• What is a deepfake, and how is AI used to create it?
• Legal and ethical issues surrounding non-consensual deepfake content
• How deepfake porn escalates the objectification and sexualization of women in disturbing ways
• Emotional and psychological effects of deepfake revenge porn on victims
• UNFPA’s “bodyright” campaign and other movements fighting back

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The information contained in this podcast episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for treatment or consultation with a licensed mental health professional.

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