Study Finds 1 in 15 Hit by AI Deepfake Abuse
A survey of 7230 people in Australia, the UK and the US examines the non-consensual creation and sharing of explicit AI-generated images.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Sex Life
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A study surveying 7230 participants from Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States found that one in 15 people have been personally victimised through the non-consensual creation, sharing, or threatened sharing of explicit AI-generated images. The survey was conducted in July and August 2024 and was funded by Google.
Why it matters
The findings show the harm is widespread and uneven, with young people and women experiencing it most acutely in different ways. They arrive as a digital duty of care bill is before federal parliament in Australia.
The survey of 7230 participants found one in 15 people personally victimised, with young people over 4.35 times more likely to be affected than older groups. Whether these rates will change under new laws has not yet been measured.
The players
Nicola Henry
Nicola Henry is a researcher at RMIT University who led the study on explicit AI-generated deepfake images.
eSafety Commissioner
The eSafety Commissioner is Australia's independent regulator for online safety, responsible for enforcing civil penalties against online harms.
The details
Men reported the highest rates of having explicit AI images created of them without consent, while women reported a broader range of harms and greater negative emotional and social impacts. Women were much more likely to feel depressed, sad or afraid for their safety than to report anger or humiliation.
Timeline
July and August 2024: Survey of 7230 participants conducted.
2024: Federal government established nationwide criminal penalties for sharing non-consensual deepfake pornography online.
Wednesday, November 2026: Study published, led by Nicola Henry from RMIT University.
End of 2026: Draft legislation for Tasmania due for public consultation.
Legal Context
Australia's 2024 federal nationwide criminal penalties for sharing non-consensual deepfake pornography set the national baseline. Creation of such images is criminalised only in Victoria, NSW, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland, while Tasmania has yet to criminalise sharing.
Residents in states without creation offences should check whether their local laws cover the non-consensual creation of AI explicit images. Anyone concerned about being targeted can review the nationwide federal penalties for sharing such images.
The takeaway
The survey shows the harm of explicit AI deepfakes reaches far beyond a single group, and legal protections vary sharply by jurisdiction. Knowing the rules where you live is a practical first step toward protecting yourself online.
What happens next
Draft legislation for Tasmania is due to be released for public consultation by the end of 2026.
Further reading
Explore more on Sex Life for context on intimate online harms.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Blayney Chronicle.
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Should tech companies face stronger legal duties to prevent AI explicit images?
