Study Reveals 138 Female Politicians Across EU Victimized by Deepfake Pornography
Research by Benjamin Shultz analyzed 160 deepfake domains and found at least 138 women MPs from 22 EU countries appeared or were referenced, compared to only nine men. Politicians from Germany, Netherlands, Italy, and France were most targeted, with seniority increasing likelihood of victimization. The findings highlight deepfake porn as part of broader online harassment against women in politics.
The research examined over 160 domains hosting nonconsensual sexual content, cross-referencing more than 5,800 European parliament members. Findings show 138 women MPs from 22 EU countries appeared on these sites, compared to just nine men—a 33-fold disparity. German, Dutch, Italian, and French politicians were most frequently targeted, with seniority increasing vulnerability.
Researcher Benjamin Shultz personally notified affected MPs and provided removal guidance. The content ranges from explicit videos to database-style listings linking to deepfake creation tools. Affected politicians like Suzanne Kröger and Sarah Dobbe described the findings as deeply disturbing, noting the abuse extends beyond public figures to millions of women, creating psychological and reputational harm that may discourage women from entering public life.
This story could have significant implications for democratic participation and gender equality in public life. The disproportionate targeting of women politicians may create a chilling effect, potentially discouraging women from seeking office or continuing political careers. It could also intensify debates about platform accountability, content moderation, and legal frameworks governing synthetic media. While the immediate victims are politicians, the broader message about women's place in public discourse may resonate across society, affecting how future generations perceive political participation and online safety.