In a significant move against the proliferation of AI-generated non-consensual sexual imagery, Manhattan District Attorney **Alvin Bragg** confirmed this week that his office has successfully taken offline twelve deepfake pornography sites. The domains were seized under laws prohibiting the dissemination of non-consensual videos, marking a critical legal intervention into this evolving digital threat. During a press conference, Bragg highlighted that the sites allowed users to create illegal pornography using the faces and bodies of real people. While many victims were celebrities, the investigation also uncovered instances linked to domestic violence, where perpetrators threatened to release deepfake images of their victims. ### The Human Cost of Deepfakes Bragg stressed the severe impact on victims, stating, “These horrific violations of privacy follow victims into their careers and personal lives and take an immense toll on emotional and mental well-being.” He also noted that many victims were unaware that legal action could be taken, urging more individuals to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and Bragg declined to comment on potential arrests or charges at this stage. The sites, whose names were not disclosed, explicitly marketed themselves as platforms for deepfake pornography. Bragg's office will continue to monitor the internet for any attempts to revive these platforms under new domains. ### Broader Industry and Regulatory Response The takedown by the Manhattan DA's office is part of a growing global effort to combat AI deepfakes. Tech giants and governments are increasingly recognizing the urgency of addressing this issue. Last year, **Microsoft** filed a lawsuit against six developers accused of using its **Azure OpenAI** services to create non-consensual intimate images. Similarly, the **European Commission** initiated an inquiry into **X** (formerly Twitter) earlier this year after its **Grok AI** tool was reportedly used to generate sexual images of a minor. These incidents underscore the critical need for robust legal frameworks and proactive enforcement to protect individuals from the devastating consequences of AI-powered sexual exploitation.