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Malicious actors are using the AI-based technology to manipulate benign images or videos of victims into explicit content. As deepfake innovation advances, such content is becoming more life-like and cheaper for bad actors to access.
The FBI has warned internet users to be cautious when posting or direct messaging personal photos and videos, after noting complaints about sexually explicit deepfakes circulating on the web.
Both children and adults have been reported as victims, with the FBI warning that it can be “extremely difficult if not impossible” to have manipulated content removed once posted online.
The main motivations for this new campaign of deepfakes appear to be payment in money or gift cards, or to force the victim to send real nude and/or sexually themed content.
The photos and videos are typically captured from victims’ social media accounts or the open web.