Domain names of 12 sites making 'deepfake' pornographic videos of celebrities seized by Manhattan DA

Prosecutors seized the domain names of 12 websites that illegally disseminated “deepfake” videos of 1,200 people engaging in sexual activities, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced during a news conference in New York on Monday.

Bragg said this is the largest seizure of websites that take preexisting photos and videos and use artificial intelligence to create fake, nonconsensual pornography. The vast majority of the 1,200 victims, the district attorney said, are females and celebrities, including actors, singers, politicians, social justice advocates and social media influencers.

Bragg said it was clear the websites — which had names such as AI Celebs, All Deepfake and Deepfake Porn — were offering artificial intelligence-manipulated pornography.

“I want to be clear: We do not tolerate sexual exploitation in any form, including sharing and selling deepfake pornography,” Bragg said. “These horrific violations of privacy follow victims into their careers and personal lives, and are taking a big toll on their emotional and mental well-being.”

Bragg said he did not know how many more deepfake websites exist.

“There are a lot of sites,” he said. “There is a lot of work to be done.”

No arrests have been made, but Bragg said the investigation into “the infrastructure of crime” is ongoing. The investigation was sparked by a victim who contacted prosecutors. He urged anyone who believes they are a victim of deepfake pornography to call his office at 212-336-9600.

“We were able to seize these domains because a brave survivor stepped forward to report crimes to our office,” Bragg said.

The seizures were based on state law that prohibits the unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Bragg said violating the law is punishable by up to a year in prison.

Bragg said his office is also investigating 12 websites operated by five vendors who sold stolen debit cards, credit cards and personal information for more than one million cards stolen across the nation, including tens of thousands in New York.