1 in 6 Congresswomen Targeted by AI-Generated Deepfake Abuse, Study Finds

A new report highlights the disproportionate targeting of female lawmakers with nonconsensual intimate imagery, raising concerns about online harassment and threats to democracy.

• The American Sunlight Project (ASP) identified over 35,000 instances of nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) featuring 26 members of Congress, including 25 women and one man, on deepfake websites.
• Women in Congress are 70 times more likely than their male counterparts to be targeted by AI-generated deepfake abuse, according to the study.
• While most of the explicit content was removed following notification of affected lawmakers, researchers noted that such removals often fail to prevent reuploads or continued harm.
• The report underscores the broader societal impact of image-based sexual abuse, including its chilling effect on women’s participation in politics and public discourse.
• Two bills addressing deepfake abuse, the DEFIANCE Act and the TAKE IT DOWN Act, have passed the Senate but face challenges in the House, including debates over free speech and harm definitions.

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