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 © 2024 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

Fleshy to Launch Interactive Cam Site 'Eremote'

Male pleasure brand Fleshy has announced that it will launch an interactive, bidirectional cam site next month called Eremote.

XBIZ LA Show Introduces New 'Crib Crawl' Feature

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the 2025 edition of its flagship conference, the XBIZ Show, will debut a brand-new feature: Crib Crawl, offering attendees the chance to meet and greet representatives from leading brands and organizations in dedicated suites at the host venue.

Pre-Nominations Now Open for 2025 TEAs

The pre-nomination period for the 2025 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) is now open.

Byborg Invests $22.35M in PLBY Group

Luxembourg-based Byborg Enterprises SA is investing $22.35 million in Playboy parent company PLBY Group.

Supreme Court to Hear Oral Arguments on Texas AV Law in January

The United States Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for Free Speech Coalition's challenge to Texas’ age verification law to take place Wednesday, Jan. 15.

2025 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees for Online Industry Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the online industry edition of the 2025 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 15 in conjunction with the XBIZ 2025 conference.

Project 2025 Leader Claims Big Tech Companies 'Deliberately Fuel Pornography Addiction' Among Men

Heritage Foundation president and Project 2025 leader Kevin Roberts published on Wednesday the text of a speech in which he persists with his past claim that “predatory Big Tech corporations” are “deliberately fueling pornography addiction” among young men.

FSC Petitions 10th Circuit for Review of Utah AV Dismissal

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) on Wednesday petitioned the United States Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to review a decision handed down earlier this month by a three-judge panel of the same appeals court, which denied FSC the right to challenge Utah’s controversial age verification law by suing state officials.

MyAdultAttorney's Corey D. Silverstein to Hold Post-Election Legal Impact Webinar

Industry attorney Corey D. Silverstein will hold a “Legal Impact” webinar titled “We Have a New U.S. President: Legal and Community Implications” on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. PST.

Pornhub Shuts Down Access in Oklahoma Over Age Verification

Aylo began geo-blocking Pornhub across Oklahoma on Tuesday, three days in advance of the state’s new age verification law, SB 1959, taking effect.

Show More