Deepfakes are digitally created and altered content often in the form of fake images, videos and audio recordings.

In some cases, this deepfaked content can take on the exact likeness of a real person – this could be of you or someone you know. 

Deepfakes aren’t always harmful or illegal, but they are sometimes used for malicious and criminal purposes.

Examples of illegal deepfakes

. Intimate image abuse or “revenge porn”

It’s illegal to share or threaten to share intimate photos or videos of someone without their permission and this includes deepfake images.

. Child sexual abuse material

It’s illegal to make, share and possess indecent photographs and pseudo-photographs and/or videos, including deepfakes, of someone who is under 18.

It does not matter if the person depicted is real or it's a fake that's been digitally created or altered.

. Hate crime

It’s illegal for someone to act in a way that is threatening and designed to stir up hatred through messages, pictures, and videos.

This could be a deepfake image or video that contains messages calling for violence against a specific person or group, or deepfake images and/or videos showing violence against someone.

. Fraud

Using a deepfake to trick you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you.

. False communications

Deepfakes can be used to send false messages, for example showing you or someone you know doing something that has not actually happened.

If this is done by someone who knows this is false and they want to cause serious harm, either emotional or physical, it can be illegal.

. Terrorist activity

If the deepfake is promoting, glorifying, or helping carry out acts of terrorism and violent extremism you should report this to the police.

. Stalking and harassment

If someone is repeatedly doing something (including using deepfakes) which make you feel alarmed, distressed, threatened or unsafe then you can report it.

. Blackmail

If a deepfake is being used to blackmail you or someone you know this is a crime.

If someone threatens to share deepfake sexual pictures, videos, or information about you unless you pay money or do something else you don’t want to, this is called Sextortion.

Report it

If you've been a victim of an illegal deepfake we understand that it could be alarming, distressing or embarrassing.

If you think you are, or may have been, a victim of a crime involving a deepfake, there are things you can expect from the police and ways to access support. We understand it takes courage, but reporting to us is the first step. 

You can report any offence via the following link Home | Staffordshire Police