Deepfake Dangers: How Fake Nudes Wreak Real Havoc

Deepfake Nudes: A Growing Threat

In a digital age where anything seems possible, deepfake technology is proving to be a double-edged sword. In August 2023, Singaporean content creator Mathilda Huang, 28, discovered fake nudes of herself circulating on dubious corners of the internet. The images were falsely attributed to her OnlyFans account, a platform known for adult content shared by creators with paying fans.

Ms Huang described the experience as "humiliating," recalling the arduous process of tracking down these websites to request the removal of the offending content. This disturbing trend has been exacerbated by the rise of "AI nudifying tools," which use artificial intelligence to digitally undress individuals. These tools are gaining traction on various forums, Telegram groups, and app stores, creating an ever-expanding problem.

Global Response to Deepfake Issues

The situation escalated in December 2025 when Elon Musk-backed social media platform X introduced an AI chatbot named Grok. This tool could place women and children in transparent bikinis or depict them in provocative scenarios, sparking a global outcry. In response, the UK, EU, and France initiated investigations, while countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines temporarily blocked access to Grok. However, these bans were lifted after X implemented stricter content controls.

“There were a slew of direct messages that came in on my social media, which asked me how much I was charging for a night and solicited me for sexual services,” Ms Huang shared with The Straits Times.

Despite these global interventions, the damage caused by AI deepfake nudes is profound, leading to harassment, reputational harm, and emotional distress. Victims often feel betrayed when these manipulated images are shared within their communities, leading to bullying, sextortion, and stalking. A notable case involved over 20 teenage girls in Spain, who were victimized by their peers in Almendralejo in September 2023.

Tackling the Deepfake Dilemma

Experts argue that blanket bans might not be the solution. According to Chew Han Ei from the Institute of Policy Studies, "Evidence so far suggests bans often displace harm with users switching platforms or using workarounds." This was evident in Malaysia and Indonesia, where users reportedly bypassed bans using VPNs or alternative access points.

Singapore is adopting a more strategic approach by engaging with platform X directly. The country awaits the operationalization of its Online Safety Commission (OSC), set to launch soon. The OSC will have the authority to issue takedown orders for deepfake content, addressing victims' primary concerns.

New legislation, the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act, passed in November 2025, empowers the OSC to command platforms, group administrators, and internet providers to rectify harm. This includes content removal, account shutdowns, or civil suits, thus giving victims a pathway to recourse.

Changing Societal Perceptions

To truly combat the menace of deepfake nudes, societal attitudes must shift. Ms Sugidha Nithiananthan, from women's rights group Aware, emphasizes, "When society downplays these harms, it compounds survivors’ trauma, making them feel invalidated and isolated.” Only by acknowledging the severity of these digital crimes can communities offer real support to those affected.