“Elizabeth, who are you? Are you a copy, a simulation, or something else?”
Elizabeth Olsen is far from the only victim. The culture of abuse facilitated by platforms like Fan-Topia has prompted a significant legal backlash. In April 2024, the UK government announced plans to criminalize the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, not just their distribution. This landmark move builds on existing offences under the Online Safety Act 2023. Under the proposed law, individuals who create such fake images without consent could face prosecution and an unlimited fine, with potential imprisonment if the images are widely distributed. Similar bills have been introduced in the U.S., though none have yet passed. Fan-Topia.Mondomonger.Deepfakes.Elizabeth.Olsen...
If you or someone you know is a victim of deepfake manipulation, contact the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative or your local legal aid office. Digital consent is not optional. “Elizabeth, who are you