Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against 'Deepfakes'

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against 'Deepfakes'

LOS ANGELES — “Deepfakes” technology dominated headlines right off the bat in January 2018, so it is only fitting that the year ends with more dialogue on the controversial practice of distributing such questionable online content.

Mainstream star Scarlett Johansson, who was one of numerous celebrities who've been targeted by deepfake sex videos generated by AI, told the Washington Post in a piece published today that she’s given up fighting against such material featuring her persona.

To emphasize her frustration, Johansson noted that one fake porn video that featured her face has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on a single site.

"Nothing can stop someone from cutting and pasting my image or anyone else's onto a different body and making it look as eerily realistic as desired," Johansson told the Post. “There are basically no rules on the internet because it is an abyss that remains virtually lawless, withstanding U.S. policies which, again, only apply here.

“People think that they are protected by their internet passwords and that only public figures or people of interest are hacked. But the truth is, there is no difference between someone hacking my account or someone hacking the person standing behind me on line at the grocery store’s account,” said Johansson, one of the highest-paid actresses who is famous for roles in “The Avengers” and the sci-fi fantasy “Her,” in which she played the faceless voice of an AI companion.

“It just depends on whether or not someone has the desire to target you.”

To create deepfakes, users take existing video footage and employ a machine-learning algorithm — perhaps using the app called FakeApp. The algorithm is able to take the face and seamlessly paste it onto the body of a porn performer.

Oftentimes, the resulting videos are nearly indecipherable from reality. And in many cases, the practice borders on copyright infringement or defamation.

Once word was going around that deepfakes were being found on user-generated websites this past January, some swung into action — Reddit, Tumblr, Discord, Gfycat and Pornhub purged and banned such content posted.

Besides swapping out bodies and heads for porn, deepfakes pose other threats — including political ones.

“We see deepfakes as the next generation of disinformation,” Eileen Donahoe, a member of the commission and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, told CNBC.

Donahoe said that governments were “not prepared” for interference in previous elections, making the risk of deepfakes being used in future votes worrisome.

Pictured: Scarlett Johansson

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More