New York seizes twelve deepfake websites
Manhattan’s district attorney says the sites distributed non-consensual AI images of around 1,200 people.
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The Manhattan district attorney has had twelve domains seized belonging to websites that, according to his office, sold and distributed AI-generated intimate images. The investigation is ongoing; the public announcement named no suspects or convictions.
The seizure was announced on 14 September by Alvin Bragg, Manhattan’s district attorney. According to his office, it took place on the basis of a court order. The websites are therefore no longer available on their original domains.
The office says the sites were almost entirely focused on non-consensual intimate images made with artificial intelligence. Investigators are said to have found images on the twelve domains based on photographs and videos of around 1,200 real people.
Those figures and the description of the victims come from the district attorney. According to his office, they were mainly women and people who are publicly visible through their work, such as actors, politicians, sportspeople, musicians and influencers. The announcement names no victims.
CBS New York confirmed the announcement and reported that the sites were accessible from Manhattan and elsewhere in New York state. The broadcaster described deepfakes as AI-generated images, videos or audio that can appear convincingly real, even though the people involved did not perform the actions or make the statements.
The case also shows where the limits of seizing a domain lie. Taking a website offline can stop distribution on that domain, but does not automatically remove copies stored elsewhere. The office therefore says it will continue to monitor other activities and possible new domains.
The public sources do not yet provide a complete picture of the criminal prosecution. They do report that the investigation into the websites and similar activities is continuing. The seizure is an enforcement action and not evidence that all those involved have been identified or found guilty.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Twelve domains were seized on the order of a judge.
- The district attorney says the sites distributed non-consensual AI images.
- The investigation into the websites and similar activities is ongoing.
Left
Arguments Non-consensual AI images can damage a person’s privacy, safety and career. Platforms and providers of generative AI should take more responsibility and help victims quickly, even when the perpetrator is anonymous or abroad.
Values Equal protection, privacy, human dignity and protection against abuse of power.
Consequences Stricter rules and faster removal can limit harm, but require proper safeguards against censorship and abuse of reporting systems.
Centre
Arguments Targeted criminal enforcement against providers that knowingly distribute illegal images is defensible. At the same time, rules of evidence, judicial oversight and clear definitions must prevent legitimate satire, journalism or art from being caught by the same approach.
Values The rule of law, proportionality, effective enforcement and freedom of expression.
Consequences A combination of domain seizures, international cooperation and transparent procedures can tackle the most harmful services without fully privatising internet governance.
Right
Arguments Anyone who knowingly creates or sells intimate images without consent should be held personally liable. The state should focus on perpetrators and commercial exploiters, not on broad surveillance or general restrictions for all AI users.
Values Personal responsibility, property and privacy rights, targeted government and legal certainty.
Consequences Targeted prosecution can act as a deterrent without blocking innovation. Overly broad platform rules could, in this view, saddle companies and users with unclear liability.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The factual core is based on an official announcement and an independent local news source. The text attributes investigative claims to the district attorney and avoids conclusions about guilt.
- confirmed Manhattan seized twelve domains belonging to deepfake websites. — The district attorney announced the seizure; CBS New York reported on it independently. source
- confirmed The office links the websites to around 1,200 possible victims. — This is the number given in the official announcement. source
- confirmed The public announcement named no suspects or convictions. — The announcement consulted describes an ongoing investigation and mentions no conviction. source
Editor's note
The seizure, the number of domains and the number of possible victims cited by the district attorney have been confirmed. The figures are claims from an ongoing investigation; the names of suspects and a judicial ruling are absent.Sources
- Manhattan D.A.’s Office Seizes Domains Of 12 Illegal Websites Selling AI-Generated Deep Fakes — Manhattan District Attorney's Office
- Manhattan district attorney announces AI crackdown with seizure of deepfake websites — CBS New York
More on this in Dutch media
- de Volkskrant — „deepfakes kunstmatige intelligentie”
- NOS — „deepfakes kunstmatige intelligentie”
- Het Parool — „deepfakes kunstmatige intelligentie”