Activists Targeted with AI Deepfake Harassment

Human rights activist Laura Harth played a key role in exposing an illegal Chinese police station in New York. Following this, she faced bizarre online sexualized slurs, including false claims about an affair with former Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz. These slurs began circulating online four years ago. In April, the harassment escalated with AI-generated deepfake porn images of Harth appearing online.

Long-Running Campaigns Against Women

Women opposing the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have faced coordinated online sexual harassment for years. These actions are reportedly backed by state-linked figures from China, as suggested by tech companies like Meta and OpenAI. In recent years, some women have chosen to confront this harassment by publicly sharing the false images. Laura Harth took a stand by posting the images on her organization’s website, Safeguard Defenders.

Harth stated, “I don’t identify with these images at all, and I hope that is a taboo we can break. Because that’s not you. That’s an image of the CCP.” She challenges the men likely responsible for these campaigns to explain their actions to their families.

A Global Network of Harassment

Newsweek interviewed four politically active women from Canada, the UK, Germany, and Italy who have faced similar targeted attacks. They noted an increase in harassment coinciding with certain political events or their activism efforts. These campaigns, marked by fake accounts on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, are tied to Chinese law enforcement.

An expert referred to these efforts as “classic sex kompromat”, using digital means to discredit individuals. The targeting of women exploits what Nathalie Vogel of the Institute of World Politics describes as “a very feminine vulnerability.” Historical tactics, such as using look-alikes, have shifted to more advanced AI methods, making such harassment more insidious.

Challenges in Legal Recourse

Addressing these attacks through legal channels remains challenging. Canadian activist Zang Xihong reported that authorities in Canada were unable to help. However, legal action in response to harmful deepfake images has begun, with cases taking place in Ohio following new legislation in the U.S.

Italian leaders, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have spoken against AI deepfakes and enacted legal measures. Zang emphasized the need for legislative action to combat this harassment, but acknowledged the difficulty in holding China accountable.

The targeting of women with such tactics seeks to undermine their credibility and silence them. Su Yutong, an activist, emphasizes that these efforts strive to shame and undermine female dissenters by exacerbating cultural misogyny and control.

Responses to Harassment

Some activists, like Carmen Lau in London, have faced challenges in deciding how to respond to these attacks. Lau has not been fully convinced of the merits of going public with her false images. She had previously been targeted with fake videos during elections in Hong Kong, leading to increased scrutiny and leaving the territory for London.

Laura Harth recognizes the impact these campaigns can have on one’s personal and professional life. She acknowledges the privilege her position offers compared to many other victims, allowing her to speak out more freely.