AI-generated deepfake images and videos of meteorologist Bree Smith were created without her consent and used in sextortion scams to defraud her fans and followers.
In fall 2024, deepfake technology was used to create explicit images and videos featuring the face of Bree Smith, a 43-year-old former Nashville meteorologist, superimposed onto semi-nude bodies of other people. These AI-generated deepfakes were distributed through hundreds of fake social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram that impersonated Smith. The fake accounts used the deepfake content to conduct sextortion scams, promising sexual acts and requesting money from Smith's fans, with one example asking for payment to book a two-night hotel stay. Smith tracked 24 new fake accounts in just one week and reported hundreds overall. The incident caused severe psychological trauma to Smith and her family, contributing to her departure from NewsChannel 5 in January 2025 after nine years as chief meteorologist. Despite efforts by Smith, her employer, and law enforcement to remove the content and investigate, the fake accounts continued to proliferate like 'whack-a-mole.' The case prompted Smith to advocate for Tennessee legislation making non-consensual deepfakes illegal, with the Preventing Deepfake Images Act passing both chambers of the state legislature in 2025.
Domain classification, causal taxonomy, severity scores, and national security assessments were LLM-classified and may contain errors.
Using AI systems to gain a personal advantage over others such as through cheating, fraud, scams, blackmail or targeted manipulation of beliefs or behavior. Examples include AI-facilitated plagiarism for research or education, impersonating a trusted or fake individual for illegitimate financial benefit, or creating humiliating or sexual imagery.
AI system
Due to a decision or action made by an AI system
Intentional
Due to an expected outcome from pursuing a goal
Post-deployment
Occurring after the AI model has been trained and deployed