Deepfake Nudes Crisis: Tech Companies Struggle to Combat Rising Threat

• •Deepfake nudes have impacted 90 schools and 600 students globally since 2023.
• •1 in 8 teens know someone affected by fake nudes; 1 in 17 have been victims.
• •Tech companies are struggling to keep pace with the rapid rise of generative AI abuse.

The proliferation of deepfake nudes and non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) has escalated significantly, impacting nearly 90 schools and 600 students globally between 2023 and April 2026. Selena Scola, a former content moderator, highlights the psychological toll of this crisis, as she now faces online abuse after previously moderating harmful content. Research from Thorn indicates that 1 in 8 teens know someone targeted by fake nudes, with 1 in 17 having been victims themselves. The rise of 'nudify' apps and AI-generative software has made it easier to create and distribute these harmful images. Experts warn that generative AI is fundamentally altering the landscape of online abuse, complicating efforts by tech companies to address the issue. Sean Litton, former CEO of the Tech Coalition, notes that tech companies are collaborating to find solutions but are often overwhelmed by the scale of the problem. The situation continues to evolve, with victims suffering severe social and psychological impacts as the crisis grows.