The targeting pattern for deepfakes reflects both misogynistic motivation and technical accessibility. Women are disproportionately affected by intimate deepfakes, with young women (18-24), celebrities, influencers, and public figures facing the highest frequency. However, as deepfake tools become more accessible, targeting has expanded to include high school students, coworkers, and any individual a perpetrator wants to harm or humiliate. Male-identifying individuals face deepfake targeting less frequently but it is not absent. The common denominator is accessible public photos, anyone with a public social media profile is technically vulnerable.

Key facts about this term

  1. Anyone with public photos is technically vulnerable Deepfakes require only publicly accessible photos. Every person with a public social media profile has the source material needed for a perpetrator to create deepfake intimate imagery.
  2. Proactive scanning is the strongest protective measure Rather than waiting to discover deepfakes after they have spread, ScanErase's biometric scan identifies content featuring your likeness before it reaches wider distribution.
  3. Minors are disproportionately harmed School-age girls are increasingly targeted by deepfake tools used by classmates. Protections are available for minors through various programs.

Frequently asked questions

Am I more likely to be targeted if I am a public figure?

Public figures, celebrities, politicians, influencers, athletes, are targeted more frequently because their photos are widely available and widely recognized. However, protections are also available for private individuals.

What should I do to reduce my risk of being targeted?

Limit public photo exposure, use strong account privacy settings, enable two-factor authentication, and conduct periodic biometric scans to catch any content early.

Related glossary terms