This article references intimate image-based abuse.
Ten years ago, the words “deepfake abuse” might not have meant that much to you. Granted, feminist tech experts have been warning about deepfake technology – a form of artificial intelligence used to create fake images, videos, and audio – since 2017, when the term ‘deepfake’ was first coined. But you'd be forgiven for not giving it much thought. After all, haven't we got enough to be worried about?
Something has shifted; deepfake abuse is on the edge of going mainstream. Indeed, GLAMOUR's 2023 Consent Survey – which you can read in full here – unearthed that 91% of our readers think deepfake technology poses a threat to the safety of women. And if influential women like Taylor Swift, Jess Phillips, and Jenna Ortega can experience this form of digital assault, it's understandable that non-famous women are worried for their own safety.
One post simply requested ‘F*cked on her back please’ alongside an image of a woman fully clothed, holding a baby.
It's time to act, which is why GLAMOUR is proudly supporting the first global virtual summit about deepfake abuse, organised by My Image My Choice, Bumble, The Reclaim Coalition, and the Joyful Heart Foundation.
The Summit will “bring together key stakeholders, advocates, thought-leaders, and lived experience experts to discuss the harms of deepfakes abuse and the online platforms that promote intimate image abuse, aiming to further turbocharge a global conversation and spark change.”
My Image My Choice is a cultural movement tackling intimate image abuse, from so-called ‘revenge porn’ to deepfake pornography. Sophie Compton, one of the co-founders of the movement (as well as the director of documentary Another Body), tells GLAMOUR: “We are so excited for what will emerge from the convening of all the brilliant minds from across the world participating in and attending the summit.
"We hope the summit will inspire conversations, forge partnerships, educate the public and help discover solutions to the exploding problem of deepfake abuse.
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"Survivor experience is key to developing effective routes to harm prevention and mitigation, and we are proud that survivor leaders will be bringing their perspective and insight to events across the summit. We hope you can join the summit and help us turn the tide on deepfake abuse.”
What's on at the Virtual Summit on Deepfake Abuse?
The virtual summit on deepfake abuse will take place on Tuesday, 19 and Wednesday, 20 of March 2024. Below are some of the inspiring talks, panels, and screenings you can attend. [Please note the summit takes place in Eastern Time, which is four hours behind GMT. We've amended the timings for those in the UK timezone.]
Tuesday 19 March
16:00: Meet & Greet: Welcome plenary with co-hosts #MyImageMyChoice, The Reclaim Coalition, Bumble, Joyful Heart Foundation, and WILLA.
16:15: The True Cost of Deepfake Abuse: A keynote discussion focusing on the impact of deepfake abuse on society, with Sophia Bush and Noelle Martin.
17:15: What is “Fake” About It: Terminology and Language
18:00: Prevention and Being A Digital Bystander: With Omny Miranda Martone (Sexual Violence Prevention Association)
18:30: The Rise and Rise of Deepfake Communities: Investigating the Internet’s NSFW Forums: A panel discussing the groundbreaking investigative journalism into the darkest corners of the internet, and what dangers they are uncovering. With Fatima Anwar (WITNESS), Kat Tenbarge (NBC News), Sam Cole (404 Media), Sophie Compton (#MyImageMyChoice, Moderator)
19:15: Gibi presents: YouTubers Against Deepfake Abuse: A discussion between YouTubers targeted by non-consensual deepfakes, educating on the effects of deepfake abuse, what it means to be a woman pursuing a career online and combating the sites profiting off the culture of non-consensual deepfakes. With speakers: Gibi (ASMR artist and YouTuber), Jinx (ASMR artist and YouTuber), Reuben Hamlyn (#MyImageMyChoice, Moderator).
19:45: Collaborate for Change: How The White House Task Force on Online Abuse and The Gender Policy Council Work With Civil Society Partners: With Cailin Crockett (The White House Gender Policy Council)
20:00: Help is Out There: What To Do in Cases of Deepfake Abuse? An explainer discussion of what steps to take, and the resources available to survivors of deepfake abuse which will shed light on the limitations of support in the current landscape. With speakers: Hera Hussain (Chayn), Adam Dodge (EndTAB, Moderator), Kate Keisel (Sanar Institute), Christina Wynia (Counsellor & Advocate).
22:30: ANOTHER BODY Screening and Q&A: A live virtual screening of ANOTHER BODY via Eventive, followed by a Q&A with the directors Sophie Compton and Reuben Hamlyn. The film will also be available via Eventive from March 15-24.
Wednesday 20 March
16:00: Deepfake Abuse is Now Mainstream: What Can Tech Do? A discussion on the responsibility of tech in mitigating the harm caused by deepfake abuse, and the work being done to make the digital landscape a safer place. With speakers: Hany Farid (UC Berkeley), Nina Jankowicz (Centre for Information Resilience, Moderator), Georgia Bullen (Superbloom), Nia Batts (Union Heritage).
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17:00: Are You Ready to Sue? Know Your Rights: With Carrie Goldberg (C.A. Goldberg, PLLC).
17:15: The New Frontier of Tech Solutions to Deepfake Abuse: With speakers: Rebecca Portnoff (Thorn), Breeze Liu (Alecto AI), Sigurdur Ragnarsson (Videntifier Technologies)
18:15: Deepfake Abuse is Now Mainstream: What Can Policymakers Do? A discussion on the different legislative approaches to combating deepfake abuse. With speakers Norma Buster (C.A. Goldberg, PLLC), Payton Iheme (Responsible Tech / Women Advocate), Dr. Ann Olivarius (McAllister Olivarius), and Jennifer Long of Aequitas.
19:15: Use Your Voice: The Power of Sharing your Story: With Ivana De Maria (Storyplace).
19:30 Victim Blaming and Interacting with Police
19:45: Global Perspectives on Deepfakes: A discussion of the effect of deepfake abuse in different geographic contexts, and the different campaigns and solutions being advanced across the world. With speakers Soyoung Park (KCSC, Moderator), Tsitsi Matekaire (Equality Now), Dr. Silvia Semenzin (University Complutense Madrid), Barsha Chakraborty (Breakthrough India)
How do I register for the Virtual Summit on Deepfake Abuse?
You can register to attend the summit by clicking on the following button. For any further questions, you can contact My Image My Choice at myimagemychoice@gmail.com.
The Revenge Porn Helpline provides advice, guidance and support to victims of intimate image abuse over the age of 18 who live in the UK. You can call them on 0345 6000 459.
For more from Glamour UK's Lucy Morgan, follow her on Instagram @lucyalexxandra.
