Deepfakes Target Women in Congress: A Growing Threat

More than 25 women in Congress have been targeted by sexually explicit deepfakes, according to a new study. This isn't just a problem for politicians; it's a reflection of a broader issue affecting women everywhere. Deepfakes can be created easily using AI, and there are few laws to stop them. This can discourage women from participating in politics or public life. The study found that women in Congress are 70 times more likely to be targeted than men. Imagine if you were a lawmaker and suddenly found yourself in fake intimate situations online. It's scary and unfair. The American Sunlight Project discovered over 35, 000 mentions of these deepfakes on 11 websites. They contacted the affected members and helped get some of the content removed. But the problem is bigger than politics. Everyday people, including kids, are also targeted. This can cause serious mental health issues and even stop people from speaking up.

There's no federal law against this, but some states have started making laws. Deepfakes also pose a national security risk. They can be used to blackmail or force concessions. Experts hope that lawmakers will take action when they see how this affects their colleagues. One woman, Susanna Gibson, lost her election after a Republican shared nonconsensual recordings of her. She started a nonprofit to fight against this. Researchers also found that women who speak publicly are more likely to face digital sexual violence. It's like people want to shut them up. The American Sunlight Project wants Congress to pass laws against deepfakes. Two bills have passed the Senate but need to go through the House. Until then, the White House is working with tech companies to find solutions. But some people don't think Big Tech can regulate itself.

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