The Guardian identified at least 150 Telegram channels – large encrypted group chats popular for their secure communication – that appeared to have users in many countries, from the UK to Brazil, China to Nigeria, Russia to India. Some of them offer “nudified” photos or videos for a fee: users can upload a photo of any woman, and AI will produce a video of that woman performing sexual acts. Many more offer a feed of images – of celebrities, social media influencers and ordinary women – made nude or made to perform sexual acts by AI. Followers are also using the channels to share tips on available deepfake tools.
While there have long been Telegram channels to distributing non-consensual nude images of women, the widespread availability of AI tools means anyone can instantly become the subject of graphic sexual content viewable by millions.
Ihe said her organisation had handled complaints from women who were ostracised by their families after being threatened with nude and intimate images obtained from Telegram channels.
