Singaporean actress Eswari Gunasagar has reported a case of non-consensual AI-generated imagery to the police after a man used artificial intelligence to create and circulate fake photos of her. The incident highlights the dangers of non-consensual AI-generated imagery, as well as the victim-blaming that follows.
The Mechanics of AI-Driven Harassment
The incident involving Eswari Gunasagar highlights how easily accessible artificial intelligence tools are being weaponized for digital harassment. According to the actress, a man created a synthetic image depicting her in a bikini alongside him at a beach. Eswari noted that she has never posted such photos of herself, making the fabrication particularly alarming to her family.
Deepfake technology allows users to map a person’s likeness onto other bodies or settings with high precision, often requiring little technical expertise to execute.
The harassment escalated beyond a single image. After the initial post was taken down following Eswari’s direct intervention, a second post appeared on the same Facebook profile. In this instance, the perpetrator falsely claimed the actress was his wife, accused her of “bullying,” and explicitly stated a desire to sexually assault her. Eswari confirmed she has since lodged a formal police report and urged her followers to flag the account.
Why Victim-Blaming Follows Digital Abuse
Victim-blaming remains a significant barrier for those targeted by non-consensual AI imagery. By framing the victim as an aggressor—as seen in the perpetrator’s claim that Eswari was “bullying” him—abusers often attempt to confuse the narrative and minimize their own culpability.
When victims speak out, they are often met with scrutiny regarding their online presence, a phenomenon that can deter others from reporting similar incidents to authorities.
How to Respond to Deepfake Victimization
Legal and digital safety experts suggest a multi-step approach when dealing with AI-based impersonation. First, document all evidence. Eswari Gunasagar took screenshots of the Facebook posts, ensuring she had a record for her police report.
Pro Tip: Always report the content to the platform hosting it immediately. Most social media providers have specific categories for “impersonation” or “non-consensual intimate imagery” that trigger faster review cycles than standard harassment reports.
Future Trends in AI Safety and Policy
As the barrier to creating realistic fake imagery drops, legal systems worldwide are struggling to keep pace. In Singapore, the rise of AI-generated abuse has prompted discussions on how existing harassment and defamation laws apply to synthetic media. Moving forward, observers expect platforms to implement more robust “watermarking” for AI-generated content, making it easier for users to identify non-authentic media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I find an AI-generated image of myself?
Take screenshots of the image, the profile of the person who posted it, and any accompanying text. Report the content to the social media platform, and if the content is harassing or threatening, file a report with local law enforcement.
Is creating AI-generated images of people without consent illegal?
Laws vary by jurisdiction, but in many regions, the use of AI to create non-consensual, explicit, or defamatory imagery can lead to criminal charges, including harassment, defamation, or distribution of obscene material.
Can AI-generated content be removed from the internet?
While removing content from the entire internet is difficult, reporting it to the primary hosting platform is the most effective way to stop its spread. Most major platforms have policies against non-consensual deepfakes.
Have you encountered instances of AI impersonation or digital harassment? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on digital safety and technology trends.
