Deepfake technology fuels new harassment risks

A growing threat of AI-generated media is reshaping workplace harassment, with deepfakes used to impersonate colleagues and circulate fabricated explicit content in the US. Recent studies found that almost all deepfakes were sexually explicit by 2023, often targeting women.

Organisations risk liability under existing laws if deepfake incidents create hostile work environments. New legislation like the TAKE IT DOWN Act and Florida’s Brooke’s Law now mandates rapid removal of non-consensual intimate imagery.

Employers are also bracing for proposed rules requiring strict authentication of AI-generated evidence in legal proceedings. Industry experts advise an urgent review of harassment and acceptable use policies, clear incident response plans and targeted training for HR, legal and IT teams.

Protective measures include auditing insurance coverage for synthetic media claims and staying abreast of evolving state and federal regulations. Forward-looking employers already embed deepfake awareness into their harassment prevention and cybersecurity training to safeguard workplace dignity.

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