AI Intensifies Misogyny: Deepfakes Enable Sexual Intimidation
amsterdam, maandag, 21 juli 2025.
Laura Bates, British feminist writer and founder of ‘The Everyday Sexism Project’, warns about the increasing use of AI in deepfakes. This technology is being used to place women in sexual situations without their consent, leading to slut-shaming and sexual intimidation. Bates emphasises the urgent need for regulation and technological solutions to minimise the harmful impact of deepfakes on women.
Deepfakes and the New Wave of Sexual Intimidation
Deepfakes, hyper-realistic videos created with AI, are increasingly being used to place women in sexual situations without their consent. Laura Bates, British feminist writer and founder of ‘The Everyday Sexism Project’, warns that this is a dangerous trend that must be addressed. According to Bates, this technology leads to slut-shaming and sexual intimidation, and represents a new form of sexism that seriously threatens the online safety of women [1].
Impact on Young People and Digital Safety
The impact of deepfakes extends to younger generations. Schoolboys are using apps for just £10 to transform photos of classmates into nude images. This phenomenon has led to a new wave of slut-shaming and sexual intimidation, exposing girls and women to severe psychological and social consequences [1].
Regulation and Technological Solutions
There is an urgent need for regulation and technological solutions to limit the spread of deepfakes. In Denmark, a bill has been proposed to grant citizens copyright over their body, face, and voice, giving them more control over how their images are used. The Netherlands is also considering similar measures, such as a bill that would require consent before such content is published [2].
Cybersecurity and Business Risks
The use of deepfakes goes beyond sexual intimidation and poses a threat to cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are using easily accessible AI tools to deceive businesses, leading to fraud, identity theft, and financial damage. Trend Micro, an international cybersecurity firm, warns that deepfakes represent the fastest-growing risk to cybersecurity and that businesses must prepare for this new threat landscape [3].
Media Literacy and Democracy
The spread of deepfakes has far-reaching implications for media literacy and democracy. It is crucial that citizens learn to recognise fake news and deceptive content. Practical tips for detecting deepfakes include checking videos for inconsistencies, using reverse image search, and staying informed about the latest technological developments [GPT].