Individual Charged with $450,000 Fine for Deepfake Distribution
A man is facing a potential fine of AU $450,000 for publishing deepfake images of notable Australian women on the now-defunct MrDeepfakes website. The charges have been brought forth by the Australian eSafety Commissioner after Anthony Rotondo allegedly posted explicit deepfake images without complying with removal requests.
Mr. Rotondo, aged 55, is accused of sharing these images on the MrDeepfakes platform, which ceased operations earlier this month. A court order issued in October 2023 revealed that, despite being notified by the eSafety Commissioner to remove the content in May 2023, Rotondo dismissed the requests, stating his non-residence in Australia rendered such notices irrelevant.
While living in the Philippines, Rotondo traveled to Australia on October 10, 2023, ostensibly to attend a car race on the Gold Coast. Following his arrival, on October 20, the eSafety Commissioner secured a court injunction for the removal of the images. In defiance, Rotondo sent additional deepfake images to media outlets and the eSafety Commissioner’s office. He was subsequently arrested a few days later at an apartment in Brisbane, Queensland.
Once detained, Rotondo provided police with his credentials for the MrDeepfakes website, which facilitated the removal of the images. However, he was fined $25,000 for contempt of court and charged with multiple counts of obscene publication, one of which involved a minor, along with an additional charge of endangering property by fire. The eSafety Commissioner continues to advocate for a significant penalty in response to the obscenity charges.
Understanding Deepfakes
Deepfakes are generated images or videos of individuals created using artificial intelligence. This technology is often employed to superimpose an individual’s likeness onto another’s image or video, which can include still photos or moving visuals accompanied by audio. While there are beneficial uses of deepfake technology—such as restoring a person’s voice after they lose their ability to speak—there are also significant drawbacks.
Malicious applications of deepfake technology have emerged, including the creation of fraudulent videos involving public figures that deceive individuals into investing in scams or manipulating audio to mislead family members regarding accidents or arrests. The proliferation of deepfake pornography, particularly involving non-consensual representations of individuals, and rising instances of deepfake child exploitation material highlight the urgent need for regulation and intervention.
As underscored by Julie Inman Grant, the Australian eSafety Commissioner, the consequences of image-based abuse can profoundly affect victims’ mental health, careers, and personal relationships. The government has taken steps to address these issues through legislative amendments aimed at establishing penalties for the distribution of such harmful content.
Despite advancements in legal measures, political entities have sometimes contributed to the problem. For instance, the Liberal National Party in Queensland used a nonsexual deepfake of the state premier in a politically motivated campaign.
MrDeepfakes was identified as the largest deepfake platform globally, hosting at least 43,000 images of around 3,800 individuals, predominantly female performers and actors. The site’s operators announced its closure earlier this month, citing data loss as the primary reason.
Protecting Yourself from Deepfakes
To mitigate the risks posed by deepfakes, the National Cybersecurity Alliance offers strategies and support for individuals targeted by these digital forgeries. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant against potential deepfake manipulation and to seek out resources available for victims, particularly in the UK, where helplines exist for those affected by image abuse.
Cybersecurity threats must be diligently managed to prevent escalation. Promoting awareness and utilizing protective technologies can significantly enhance individual security in the face of evolving digital threats.