Protecting Your Daughter from Deepfakes and Online Abuse

96% of all deepfakes—those eerie, AI-generated images and videos mimicking real people—are pornographic and target women without their consent. Let that sink in. This jaw-dropping statistic came to light on International Women’s Day, highlighting a grim reality for the women in our lives—daughters, nieces, and goddaughters alike.

An Australian law student found herself at the horrifying epicenter of this issue when manipulated pornographic images of her were circulated online at just 18 years old. Sadly, her case isn’t unique. A recent survey of women in the U.S. revealed that AI deepfakes are becoming a sinister new form of online abuse, joining cyberbullying, doxxing, sexual harassment, trolling, and more.

Online abuse disproportionately affects young women, especially those aged 18 to 34, who spend much more time online than older generations. Research shows that younger people use social media almost twice as much as older generations, and women are even more active than men. Combine that with younger generations’ tendency to be less concerned about data privacy, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

So, what’s the solution? While telling a 22-year-old to stop posting online entirely might be a lost cause, encouraging them to limit who sees their information is a solid first step. Women can reduce the risk of online abuse by removing personal data from public spaces and being mindful of what they share.

Unfortunately, even with the best precautions, abuse can still happen. If you know four young women aged 7–21, statistics suggest three of them have experienced some form of online harm in the past year. The key is to let them know they’re not alone. Online abuse, particularly deepfake pornography and revenge porn, thrives on humiliation and isolation. Offering support can be a powerful antidote.

Protection starts with education. Teach young women to question what they see online, spot misinformation, and recognize scams. Discuss the importance of strong passwords, password managers, and two-factor authentication to keep their accounts secure. And don’t underestimate the value of offline hobbies to reduce screen time and minimize exposure to negativity.

For parents and guardians, staying informed about the latest online trends and platforms can make all the difference. Engage in open, judgment-free conversations about their online experiences. And ensure their devices are equipped with strong antivirus software to shield against malware and phishing attempts.

Ultimately, creating a safer digital environment for young women is a collective effort. When women feel secure online, the internet becomes a better place for everyone. Let’s step up and make the digital world a safer space for the women we cherish.