Research reveals 7% of adults have been targets of AI-generated sexual images
A survey of more than 7,000 adults found 7% have been victims of non-consensual sexual deepfakes. Often, people who found it funny created them.
Researchers surveyed more than 7,000 adults across Australia, the UK and US in July 2024. They found 7% reported being victims of non-consensual sexual deepfakes.
'Nudify' apps and simple image generators let almost anyone create synthetic intimate images in seconds. They need just a single photo.
Victim-survivors reported anger, humiliation, shame, fear, helplessness and distress. Women reported broader harms than men, though men were more often targeted overall.
Some people created images because they thought it was funny. Others wanted to experiment or show off to friends.
The abuse creates a hard cycle for victims. They must repeatedly search for and report images as copies come back online.
Among Australian children, reports of deepfakes to the eSafety Commissioner more than doubled in 18 months to June 2025. Four in five reports involved girls.
- 7% of 7,230 surveyed adults
- Victimization rate
- Australia, UK, and US in July 2024
- Survey scope
Why it mattersAI-generated sexual imagery poses a growing risk to anyone. Children are especially at risk. Victims face lasting harm. They need stronger legal protections and technology safeguards.
AustraliaAustralian children are reporting deepfake abuse at alarming rates; the government's proposed digital duty of care would require tech platforms to prevent abuse and assist victims, and could criminalise nudify apps.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
