The Scary Truth About Deepfake Nudes

The Scary Truth About Deepfake Nudes and How Maryland Might Help

Have you ever heard of deep fakes? The best way to describe them is as super-realistic digital trickery where someone’s face can be put onto another person’s body in videos or pictures. Imagine seeing a picture of yourself doing something you’d never do, but it looks totally real. That’s the scary power of deepfakes. 

Now, imagine that someone uses this technology to create nude images of you without your permission. That’s exactly what’s happening with deepfake nudes, and it’s a huge problem. These images can spread online like wildfire, causing serious emotional distress, damage to your reputation, and even fear for your safety. It’s a violation of your privacy and a form of sexual abuse.

Why Deepfake Nudes Are So Dangerous

• Emotional Harm: Seeing a fake nude image of yourself can be incredibly upsetting and traumatic. It can cause feelings of shame, embarrassment, and anxiety.
• Reputation Damage: These images can ruin your reputation. Especially if people share them with your with friends, family, or coworkers. It can affect your relationships and your future opportunities.
• Cyberbullying and Harassment: Deepfake nudes can be used to bully and harass people online. They can be shared on social media, in chat groups, and even sent directly to the victim.
• Real-World Consequences: In some cases, deepfake nudes can lead to real-world consequences, such as job loss, social isolation, and even physical harm.
• Difficulty Removing Content: Once these images are online, it’s incredibly difficult to remove them. They can be copied and shared countless times, making it almost impossible to stop their spread.
• Blurring Reality: Deepfakes make it harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake, which can erode trust and create confusion.

Maryland Steps Up: House Bill 663

The good news is that lawmakers are starting to take action. In Maryland, a bill called House Bill 663, Civil Actions – Sexual Deepfake Representations and Revenge Porn, has been introduced. This bill is meant to give people legal recourse if they become victims of deepfake nudes or revenge porn.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The bill was introduced on January 24, 2025, and is currently being considered by the Judiciary Committee.
• A hearing was held on February 19, 2025, to discuss the bill.
• If passed, the bill would allow victims to take legal action against those who create and distribute deepfake nudes. This means they could sue for damages and seek other forms of relief.
• Essentially this bill would give people a way to fight back, and seek justice.

This is a big step in the right direction. It shows that Maryland is taking the issue of deepfake nudes seriously and wants to protect its citizens.

San Francisco Takes Legal Action Against AI Websites

Maryland isn’t the only place taking this action. In San Francisco, the City Attorney is suing 16 websites that use AI to create nonconsensual, fake nude images. This is the first lawsuit of its kind, and it’s a bold move to hold these websites accountable.

The lawsuit argues that these websites violate state and federal laws prohibiting deepfake pornography, revenge pornography, and child pornography. The city is seeking civil penalties and wants the websites to be blocked by web hosts.

This lawsuit is significant because it sends a message that creating and distributing deepfake nudes is illegal and and those who participate should take accountability. It also shows that cities and states are willing to take legal action to protect their citizens.

What This Means for You

If you or someone you know has been a victim of deepfake nudes, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are resources available to help you.

• Report the Abuse: Report the images to the platform where they were shared. Many social media platforms have policies against deepfake nudes and will remove them.
• Document Everything: Keep records of the images, including screenshots and any information about who shared them. This documentation can be helpful if you decide to take legal action.
• Seek Support: Talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, teacher, or counselor. They can provide emotional support and help you navigate this difficult situation.
• Legal Help: If you decide to take legal action, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases.

KBD Attorneys: Here to Help

At KBD Attorneys, we understand the devastating impact that sexual abuse and exploitation can have on individuals. Our firm has experience handling sensitive cases, including those involving sexual assault. We are closely monitoring the developments in Maryland and other states regarding deepfake nude legislation.

We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and protected online. If you or someone you know has been a victim of deepfake nudes, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can provide you with legal advice and support.

Staying Safe Online

While lawmakers and attorneys are working to address the issue of deepfake nudes, there are also things you can do to protect yourself online:

• Be Careful What You Share: Think twice before sharing personal photos or videos online. Once something is online, it can be difficult to remove.
• Adjust Privacy Settings: Make sure your social media accounts are set to private and that you only share content with people you trust.
• Be Aware of Deepfake Technology: Educate yourself about deepfake technology and how it works. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you see something suspicious online, report it to the platform.

Deepfake nudes are a serious problem, but by working together, we can raise awareness, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect ourselves and others. Contact us today.