1 in 6 Congresswomen Have Reportedly Been Targeted by AI-Generated Nonconsensual Intimate Imagery

The American Sunlight Project (ASP) conducted a study that identified over 35,000 mentions of nonconsensual intimate imagery (NCII) depicting 26 members of the 118th Congress on 11 well-known deepfake websites. The imagery was created using generative AI or by overlaying headshots onto media of adult performers. Of the 26 affected lawmakers, 25 were women and only 1 was a man, with women being 70 times more likely to be targeted. The study found that nearly 16 percent of all women currently serving in Congress were victims of AI-generated nonconsensual intimate imagery. ASP used a custom search engine to find members by name on deepfake sites, discovering no correlation with party affiliation or geographic location, though younger members were more likely to be victimized. After ASP contacted the offices of affected members, most imagery was removed within 48 hours, though researchers noted this rapid response highlighted privilege disparities as private citizens lack similar resources. The incident demonstrates the disproportionate targeting of women in public life and has implications for democratic participation, with research showing 41 percent of women aged 18-29 self-censor to avoid online harassment.