The non-consensual dissemination of intimate content in the times of deepfakes: an optimistic counterprophecy

  • Marco Viola
  • Cristina Voto
Keywords: deepfake, visual epistemology, pictures, Non-Consensual Diffusion of Intimate Images, testimony

Abstract

In this essay, we consider the possible impact that deepfake technologies may exert upon the phenomenon of Non-Consensual Diffusion of Intimate Images or videos (NCDII), sometimes (mis)labeled as “revenge porn”. In partial contrast to the pessimistic view according to which deepfakes could enhance the threat constituted by NCDII, we forecast that, on the long run, the spread of deepfake media could lead to deflating the sense of trust that make us assume that photographic-looking images and videos represent some actual reality. By so doing, deepfakes can ultimately depower the sense of intimacy that NCDII bring about, hence possibly reducing their allure among the wrongdoers as well as their power to harm.

References

Cavedon-Taylor, Dan (2013), «Photographically based knowledge» in Episteme, n. 10(3), pp. 283-297.

Eco, Umberto (1990), I limiti dell’interpretazione, La nave di Teseo, Milano, 2006.

Fallis, Dan (2020), «The Epistemic Threat of Deepfakes» in Philosophy & Technology», https://doi.org/10.1007/s13347-020-00419-2

Harris, Keith Raymond (2021), «Video on demand: what deepfakes do and how they harm» in Synthese, n. 199, pp. 13373–13391.

Meskin, Aaron & Cohen, Johnatan (2010), Photography and philosophy: Essays on the pencil of nature, in Walden, Scott (Ed.), Photography Philosophy: Essays on the Pencil of Nature, Hoboken (NJ), Wiley Blackwell, 70-90.

Leonard, Nick (2021), Epistemological Problems of Testimony, in Zalta, Edward (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/testimony-episprob

Öhman, Carl (2020), «Introducing the pervert’s dilemma: A contribution to the critique of deepfake Pornography», in Ethics and Information Technology, n. 22(2), pp. 133–140.Uhl, Carolyn A., Rhyner, Katlin J., Terrance, Cheryl A., & Lugo, Noël Lugo R. (2018), «An examination of nonconsensual pornography websites» in Feminism & Psychology, 28(1), pp. 50-68.

Uhl, Carolyn A., Rhyner, Katlin J., Terrance, Cheryl A., & Lugo, Noël R. (2018), «An examination of nonconsensual pornography websites», in Feminism & Psychology, 28(1), pp. 50-68.

Walton, Kendall L. (1984), «Transparent pictures: On the nature of photographic realism» in Critical inquiry, n. 11(2), pp. 246-277.

Published
2022-09-17
How to Cite
Viola, M. and Voto, C. (2022) “The non-consensual dissemination of intimate content in the times of deepfakes: an optimistic counterprophecy”, Rivista Italiana di Filosofia del Linguaggio. doi: 10.4396/SFL2021A07.