# Deepfake Abuse Targets Women Politicians Across Europe's Political Landscape

> The targeting of almost 150 European politicians with deepfake pornography highlights a troubling trend of online harassment, disproportionately affecting women. This stark disparity raises critical concerns about the future of female representation in politics.

**Source**: wired.com | **Published**: 2026-09-14 | **Type**: research

## Key Facts

- 138 women MPs targeted, revealing systemic gender bias in deepfake abuse across Europe.
- Politicians from Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and France most affected, indicating regional vulnerabilities.
- Senior politicians are disproportionately targeted, suggesting a correlation between status and risk.
- Deepfake sites operate like businesses, highlighting a competitive market for nonconsensual content.
- Legislative responses are emerging, signaling a strategic shift towards regulating harmful AI technologies.

## Summary

Recent research has revealed that nearly 150 politicians across Europe, predominantly women, have been targeted by harmful deepfake pornography websites. This alarming trend highlights a growing issue of online harassment and intimidation, particularly against female public figures. The findings, published by researcher Benjamin Shultz at Agora Digitale Transformation, indicate that at least 138 women members of parliament (MPs) from 22 European Union countries have been featured or mentioned on these sites, compared to only nine male MPs. This disparity suggests that women MPs are 33 times more likely to be victimized by deepfake technology.

The implications of these findings extend beyond individual cases of harassment; they signal a broader threat to democratic engagement and the participation of women in politics. As Suzanne Kröger, a Dutch MP affected by the abuse, noted, this trend is part of a larger pattern of online hate that discourages women from entering or remaining in public life. The chilling effect of such intimidation tactics can deter potential female leaders from pursuing political careers, thereby undermining gender representation in governance.

The research analyzed around 160 domains hosting deepfake content, revealing that politicians from Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and France were the most frequently targeted. The more senior a politician is, the higher the likelihood of being featured on these sites. Shultz's efforts included notifying the affected MPs and providing guidance on how to remove the content, which often included links to tools that facilitate the creation of deepfakes. This ease of access to deepfake technology raises concerns about the potential for further abuse, as it allows perpetrators to generate harmful content with minimal effort.

The increasing accessibility of deepfake technology since its emergence in 2017 has led to a proliferation of nonconsensual AI-generated images and videos. These tools are often used to harass, intimidate, or blackmail women, with reports of similar incidents occurring in educational settings worldwide. The infrastructure supporting these harmful platforms is designed to operate like a business, making it easier for users to create and share abusive content at scale.

Despite the severity of the issue, legislative responses have been slow. However, there are signs of progress, with both the UK and EU moving towards bans on nudify services. Recent actions under the US Take It Down Act have successfully removed at least two major deepfake websites, indicating a growing recognition of the need for regulatory measures. Journalistic efforts to expose the operators behind these sites have also contributed to reducing the availability of such content.

As the landscape of deepfake technology continues to evolve, the need for robust regulatory frameworks becomes increasingly urgent. The recent findings serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers and tech companies alike to prioritize the development of policies that protect individuals from online harassment. Ensuring the swift removal of abusive content is essential, but equally important is the establishment of comprehensive regulations governing the use of deepfake technology.

Looking ahead, the ongoing dialogue surrounding deepfakes and their impact on public figures will likely influence future policy decisions. Companies involved in AI and digital content creation may face increased scrutiny and pressure to implement safeguards against misuse. As awareness grows, the market may see a shift towards more ethical practices in technology development, aligning with the broader societal demand for accountability and protection against online abuse.

## Entities

- **Products**: nudifier apps
- **Technologies**: deepfake, AI
- **People**: Benjamin Shultz, Suzanne Kröger, Sarah Dobbe, Henry Ajder
- **Organizations**: Agora Digitale Transformation, Progressive Netherlands, American Sunlight Project

## Key Concepts

deepfake pornography, nonconsensual content, online harassment, political intimidation, gender-based violence, digital democracy, legislation on deepfakes, psychological impact on victims

## Definitions

- **deepfake**: A synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness using artificial intelligence.
- **nudifier apps**: Applications that claim to digitally undress individuals in images or videos, often used in the creation of nonconsensual content.
- **nonconsensual content**: Media created and distributed without the consent of the individuals depicted, often used to harass or intimidate.
- **digital democracy**: The use of digital tools and technologies to enhance democratic processes and participation.
- **psychological impact**: The effects that experiences, such as harassment or intimidation, have on an individual's mental health and well-being.

## Use Cases

- Research on the prevalence of deepfake abuse
- Legislation to ban nudify services
- Support systems for victims of deepfake harassment
- Monitoring and reporting deepfake websites
- Awareness campaigns about the risks of deepfakes
- Development of technologies to combat deepfake creation

## Frequently Asked Questions

**What are deepfakes?**

Deepfakes are synthetic media created using artificial intelligence that can manipulate images and videos to replace one person's likeness with another. They are often used in harmful ways, including creating nonconsensual pornography.

**Why are women politicians more likely to be targeted by deepfakes?**

Research indicates that women politicians are disproportionately targeted by deepfake pornography, with statistics showing they are 33 times more likely to be affected than their male counterparts. This reflects broader trends of online harassment and intimidation against women.

**What steps are being taken to combat deepfake abuse?**

Legislators in the UK and EU are beginning to introduce laws to ban nudify services and tackle deepfake abuse. Additionally, efforts are being made to take down websites that host nonconsensual content.

**How can victims of deepfake harassment seek help?**

Victims can seek direct support from organizations that specialize in digital harassment. It is also important for them to report the content to the platforms hosting it to facilitate its removal.

**What is the psychological impact of deepfake harassment on victims?**

Victims of deepfake harassment often experience significant psychological distress, including anxiety and fear. This type of abuse can discourage women from participating in public life and politics.

## Links

- [Read on Welcome.AI](https://welcome.ai/content/deepfake-abuse-targets-women-politicians-across-europes-political-landscape)
- [Original source](https://www.wired.com/story/sexually-explicit-deepfake-sites-target-100-plus-politicians-in-europe/)

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Source: Welcome.AI | https://welcome.ai/content/deepfake-abuse-targets-women-politicians-across-europes-political-landscape