Deepfake Porn Websites Block UK Visitors Amid Mounting Pressure
A Significant Moment in the Fight Against Digital Abuse
In a groundbreaking move, two of the most prominent deepfake pornography websites have started restricting access to users from the United Kingdom. The decision comes on the heels of the UK government’s increased efforts to combat the growing threat of deepfake technology, which has been used to target and harm thousands of women.
This is a hugely significant moment in the fight against deepfake sexual abuse.
said Clare McGlynn, a professor of law at Durham University.
Restricted Access and Potential Workarounds
When attempting to visit the two websites from the UK, users are now greeted with notices stating that access is denied due to laws or upcoming legislation in their country. The messages display the visitor’s IP address and country, confirming the geographic restriction. While the websites remain accessible from the United States, they may also be restricted in other countries.
One of the websites, which also has a companion app, hints at potential ways to circumvent the geographic restriction. However, the reasons behind the introduction of these location blocks and whether they are temporary remain unclear. The website creators have not made any public statements regarding the restrictions.
Ofcom’s Role and the Online Safety Bill
Under the UK’s Online Safety Bill, Ofcom, the country’s communications regulator, has the authority to take action against harmful websites. The bill aims to protect individuals from the detrimental effects of deepfake technology and other forms of online abuse.
Impact on Deepfake Porn Consumption and Creation
The restrictions are expected to significantly reduce the number of people in the UK seeking out or attempting to create deepfake sexual abuse content. According to data from Similarweb, a digital intelligence company, the two websites in question had a combined 16 million global visitors last month, with approximately 550,000 visitors from the UK.
A Call for Global Action
This week, UK politicians called on other countries to follow suit and take more stringent measures to curb the spread and creation of harmful deepfakes. While the use of VPNs may still allow access to these websites, the restrictions send a clear message that deepfake sexual abuse material is wrong and harmful.
Hopefully, this can show other governments around the world that if we take steps, we could actually reduce the prevalence [of] and easy access to deepfake sexual abuse material.
Professor McGlynn added, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in combating this digital threat.
3 Comments
Finally, a step in the right direction for digital ethics!
So, the UK decided it’s time to draw the line on digital sleaze, huh?
UK’s crackdown: a bold move or digital censorship on the rise?