The story of Mr DeepFakes – the world’s most notorious AI porn site (www.theguardian.com)

Patrizia Schlosser, a journalist, discovered herself among graphic and humiliating deepfake images on the notorious site Mr DeepFakes, which specializes in nonconsensual AI-generated porn. The site, a significant hub for deepfake content, showcased countless manipulated videos and images of celebrities and public figures, aimed at degrading women. Despite Schlosser's efforts to have the images removed, the site's broader implications extend to a thriving underground market for custom deepfakes, reflecting a troubling aspect of AI technology misuse. Investigative work revealed sophisticated connections, likening the site to criminal enterprises, with the operators emboldened by a lack of substantial regulation. Mr DeepFakes, which played a crucial role in normalizing and proliferating deepfake porn since its inception, has now ceased operations, citing "data loss" and the withdrawal of support services. However, experts warn that the knowledge and techniques developed within its forum have permeated popular culture, allowing deepfake technology to become widely accessible and enabling creators to continue their work independently. The case underscores the urgent need for regulation and ethical standards in AI development and highlights the ongoing struggle against the misuse of technology that threatens individual privacy and safety, particularly for women.