Millions use AI to create virtual nudes, these are the top 3 countries: Report – Times of India

As advancements in artificial intelligence continue to reshape digital landscapes, a troubling trend has emerged: the creation and dissemination of sexually explicit deepfake images. A recent survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun revealed that Japan ranks third globally in traffic to websites enabling the creation of such content. Over the course of a year, these platforms received over 18 million visits from Japan alone, trailing only the United States and India. The growing prevalence of explicit deepfake content has raised significant ethical and legal concerns, prompting calls for urgent action.

Japan in the top 3: Millions use AI to generate virtual nudes

The survey, conducted in collaboration with digital analytics firm Similarweb Ltd., analyzed traffic data from December 2023 to November 2024. The findings identified 41 websites that allow users to produce sexually explicit deepfake images by uploading photographs of individuals. These platforms, many of which launched in 2024, saw a surge in popularity alongside increased accessibility to generative AI technology.
The global distribution of traffic to these sites highlights the scale of the issue:

In Japan, an estimated 410,000 users accessed these sites monthly, with approximately 80% doing so via smartphones. Instructions for creating deepfake content were predominantly available in English, Russian, and Japanese, underscoring the international reach and accessibility of such platforms.

The rapid expansion of deepfake content

The proliferation of deepfake technology has coincided with a sharp increase in explicit content creation. According to U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Security Hero, 95,820 deepfake videos were detected online in 2023, a figure five and a half times higher than in 2019. Alarmingly, 98% of these videos were of a sexually explicit nature.
The creation and sharing of such content have profound implications, particularly for victims whose images are manipulated without consent. Social media platforms often serve as the primary channels for distributing deepfake content, compounding the harm by amplifying its reach.

Legal and ethical challenges

While deepfake technology is not inherently malicious, its misuse has sparked widespread concern. Experts argue that existing laws in many countries are ill-equipped to address the complexities of AI-generated content. In Japan, for instance, there are no specific legal provisions targeting the creation or distribution of deepfake pornography.
Ichiro Sato, a professor at the National Institute of Informatics, has emphasised the urgent need for legislative reform. “Laws tailored to address deepfake technology must be introduced to protect individuals from exploitation,” Sato stated. He also highlighted the importance of promoting information literacy to equip people with the knowledge to recognize and combat deepfake content.

Global efforts to counter deepfake abuse

Several nations have already taken steps to address the challenges posed by deepfake technology. In the United States, multiple states have enacted laws criminalizing the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography. The European Union has also proposed regulations to hold AI developers accountable for the ethical use of their technologies.
Japan’s position as a major user of deepfake platforms underscores the necessity for similar measures. Beyond legislation, public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives are critical to fostering a culture of digital responsibility.
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