Non-Consensual Synthetic Intimate Imagery: Prevalence, Attitudes, and Knowledge in 10 Countries

TL;DR

This study surveys over 16,000 individuals across 10 countries to assess the prevalence, attitudes, and knowledge regarding non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery, highlighting societal perceptions, victimization rates, and policy gaps.

Contribution

It provides the first large-scale cross-national data on deepfake pornography prevalence, attitudes, and legal awareness, emphasizing the need for improved detection and prevention strategies.

Findings

2.2% of respondents experienced victimization

1.8% of respondents admitted perpetration

Legislation is currently insufficient to deter NSII behaviors

Abstract

Deepfake technologies have become ubiquitous, "democratizing" the ability to manipulate photos and videos. One popular use of deepfake technology is the creation of sexually explicit content, which can then be posted and shared widely on the internet. Drawing on a survey of over 16,000 respondents in 10 different countries, this article examines attitudes and behaviors related to "deepfake pornography" as a specific form of non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery (NSII). Our study found that deepfake pornography behaviors were considered harmful by respondents, despite nascent societal awareness. Regarding the prevalence of deepfake porn victimization and perpetration, 2.2% of all respondents indicated personal victimization, and 1.8% all of respondents indicated perpetration behaviors. Respondents from countries with specific legislation still reported perpetration and victimization experiences, suggesting NSII laws are inadequate to deter perpetration. Approaches to prevent and reduce harms may include digital literacy education, as well as enforced platform policies, practices, and tools which better detect, prevent, and respond to NSII content.