Deepfake & Pornography: The Coming Crisis of Privacy and Consent

Abstract

The emergence of deepfake technology, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), presents a looming threat to privacy and consent, particularly in the context of pornography. With the ability to seamlessly superimpose one individual's likeness onto another's body, deepfake technology enables malicious actors worldwide to intrude upon anyone's privacy and manipulate an intimate imagery without consent. This paper examines the ethical and legal ramifications of deepfake pornography, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive legislation and policy measures to address this growing menace. Drawing upon examples from various jurisdictions, including India, it evaluates existing legal frameworks and highlights gaps in legislation. Additionally, the paper offers suggestions for policy interventions to combat deepfake pornography, safeguard individual privacy rights, and uphold principles of consent in the digital age. As deepfake technology continues to advance, proactive measures are essential to mitigate the potential harm it poses to society.