Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against 'Deepfakes'

Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out Against 'Deepfakes'

LOS ANGELES — “Deepfakes” technology dominated headlines right off the bat in January 2018, so it is only fitting that the year ends with more dialogue on the controversial practice of distributing such questionable online content.

Mainstream star Scarlett Johansson, who was one of numerous celebrities who've been targeted by deepfake sex videos generated by AI, told the Washington Post in a piece published today that she’s given up fighting against such material featuring her persona.

To emphasize her frustration, Johansson noted that one fake porn video that featured her face has been viewed more than 1.5 million times on a single site.

"Nothing can stop someone from cutting and pasting my image or anyone else's onto a different body and making it look as eerily realistic as desired," Johansson told the Post. “There are basically no rules on the internet because it is an abyss that remains virtually lawless, withstanding U.S. policies which, again, only apply here.

“People think that they are protected by their internet passwords and that only public figures or people of interest are hacked. But the truth is, there is no difference between someone hacking my account or someone hacking the person standing behind me on line at the grocery store’s account,” said Johansson, one of the highest-paid actresses who is famous for roles in “The Avengers” and the sci-fi fantasy “Her,” in which she played the faceless voice of an AI companion.

“It just depends on whether or not someone has the desire to target you.”

To create deepfakes, users take existing video footage and employ a machine-learning algorithm — perhaps using the app called FakeApp. The algorithm is able to take the face and seamlessly paste it onto the body of a porn performer.

Oftentimes, the resulting videos are nearly indecipherable from reality. And in many cases, the practice borders on copyright infringement or defamation.

Once word was going around that deepfakes were being found on user-generated websites this past January, some swung into action — Reddit, Tumblr, Discord, Gfycat and Pornhub purged and banned such content posted.

Besides swapping out bodies and heads for porn, deepfakes pose other threats — including political ones.

“We see deepfakes as the next generation of disinformation,” Eileen Donahoe, a member of the commission and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Human Rights Council, told CNBC.

Donahoe said that governments were “not prepared” for interference in previous elections, making the risk of deepfakes being used in future votes worrisome.

Pictured: Scarlett Johansson

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Two Texas Bills Restricting Sex Toy Sales Fail to Pass

Two bills aimed at restricting sales of sex toys have failed to pass the Texas state legislature during its 2025 session.

NYC Adult Stores Petition for Rehearing in Zoning Law Case

A group of adult businesses on Tuesday petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to rehear a case involving a zoning law that could severely limit adult stores’ operations in New York City.

Ofcom Releases Transparency Reporting Guidelines

Ofcom, the U.K. media regulator, has made public its official guidance detailing how online service providers — including adult sites — will be required to publish annual transparency reports on their efforts to protect children from online harms.

New AV Rules Take Effect for Ireland-Based Sites

Ireland’s Online Safety Code came into force Monday, including a provision requiring adult sites headquartered in Ireland to implement age assurance measures beyond self-declaration.

XBIZ Amsterdam Calls on New Startups for 'Spotlight' Program

XBIZ is pleased to announce that its new “Startup Spotlight” programming will make its European premiere at XBIZ Amsterdam 2025, set to take place Sept. 2-5 at the Jakarta Hotel Amsterdam.

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Show More