Part 5/12:
Melissa emphasizes a critical misconception: many view deepfake technology simply as a visual or technological problem. However, she stresses that it’s fundamentally a deeply personal violation, disproportionately affecting women and girls. The data is stark: 96% of deepfakes generated are sexually explicit, and 99% of which depict women or girls. These assaults often go unnoticed and unpunished, with victims suffering severe emotional and psychological consequences.
Melissa calls on the tech community to recognize this moral imperative and advocate for concrete measures, rather than remain passive in conversations. She advocates for defensive "guard rails" in AI development, robust legal frameworks like the proposed "Take It Down Act," and survivor-centered solutions.