Manhattan DA Seizes 12 Deepfake Porn Sites Targeting 1,200 Victims
In a major legal action, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office has seized a dozen websites that hosted nonconsensual deepfake videos of around 1,200 people, mostly women. The sites targeted celebrities, influencers, and public figures. The office is continuing its investigation into those responsible.
The seized domains had been operating for years, publishing videos that swapped celebrities' faces into explicit scenes. The Manhattan DA's office acted under New York criminal procedure laws, with a state Supreme Court issuing the seizure warrant. WIRED observed takedown notices appearing on the sites last week. The office says investigations into the operators and uploaders remain active, and it is urging victims to contact its cybercrime bureau.
The action follows the federal Take It Down Act, which enables law enforcement to remove and seize such sites. Researchers note the takedown demonstrates that coordinated enforcement is possible even when regulations vary across jurisdictions. The sites reportedly drew millions of views and included names promising "real deepfakes" of famous actresses and public figures.
This action may signal a turning point in how authorities respond to synthetic nonconsensual imagery. Victims—predominantly women in public roles—could feel greater confidence in reporting violations, knowing enforcement is possible. However, the seizure of a dozen sites may only scratch the surface of a sprawling ecosystem, and perpetrators could adapt by relocating. The case may also pressure other jurisdictions to pursue similar measures, potentially reshaping the legal landscape around AI-generated abuse.