Education: What To Do If You're a Victim
Sniffer is committed to not just informing, but empowering and protecting individuals. Deepfakes can be distressing, confusing, and even life-altering for victims. This guide is designed to help you take control, protect yourself, and understand your rights and options. If you or someone you know is affected by deepfakes, here’s what you need to know and do.
Types of Harmful Deepfake Content
- Explicit Content: Non-consensual or manipulated sexual imagery or video.
- Impersonation: Fake media portraying you as saying or doing things you never did.
- Threats or Extortion: Deepfakes used to intimidate, blackmail, or coerce.
Optional: If you notice suspicious content with limited spread, you may choose to monitor and document rather than immediately escalate. Early documentation is always recommended.
Understanding Deepfake Harms
Deepfakes are synthetic media—videos, images, or audio—created using artificial intelligence to convincingly mimic real people. While some are harmless or entertaining, malicious deepfakes can be used for blackmail, harassment, fraud, or to spread misinformation. Victims may experience emotional distress, reputational damage, or even threats to their safety and livelihood.
Common Scenarios
- Impersonation: Someone creates a fake video or audio of you saying or doing things you never did.
- Non-consensual Content: Deepfakes are used to place your likeness in explicit or compromising situations.
- Fraud and Scams: Criminals use deepfakes to impersonate you or someone you know for financial gain.
Recognizing the type of deepfake attack is the first step to responding effectively.
What To Do If You’re a Victim: Step-by-Step
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Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
- Do not act impulsively. Review what has happened and who may have seen the content.
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Preserve Evidence
- Save all files, links, screenshots, and communications. Do not alter or delete anything.
- Use secure, redundant storage (cloud and offline).
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Document Everything
- Log dates, times, and all interactions or threats. Note where and when the content appeared.
- Save all perpetrator communications without responding.
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Report the Content
- Use official reporting tools on the platform where the content is hosted. Provide evidence and context.
- If unresolved, escalate to the platform’s legal or privacy team.
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Seek Support
- Contact trusted individuals or professional support services. Victim support organizations can provide guidance.
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Contact Sniffer for Forensic Analysis
- Use Sniffer’s forensic tools to analyze and register the original content. This generates a forensic report, a unique case ID, and an evidence summary for your records.
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Consider Legal Advice
- Consult a legal professional to understand your rights and next steps. Laws vary by region.
How Sniffer Fits Into This Process
Sniffer does not remove content or contact authorities on your behalf.
It helps you analyze, document, and preserve evidence so you can take informed action.
What Sniffer Provides
- Forensic Report: Technical analysis of the media, highlighting signs of manipulation.
- Case ID: A unique identifier for your incident, useful for tracking and referencing.
- Evidence Summary: A structured summary of your preserved evidence, suitable for sharing with authorities or legal counsel.
This workflow aligns with institutional and legal best practices, supporting you in official processes.
What NOT To Do
- Don’t Engage with Perpetrators: Avoid responding to threats, blackmail, or demands. Engaging can escalate the situation or provide more material for harassment.
- Don’t Delete Evidence: Even if it’s distressing, keep all original files and communications. Deleting them can hinder investigations and make it harder to prove your case.
- Don’t Share Widely: Avoid spreading the content further, even to prove it’s fake. This can increase harm, complicate removal efforts, and cause further distress.
- Don’t Retaliate: Do not attempt to "fight back" by creating or sharing fake content about others. This can have legal and ethical consequences.
How Evidence Can Be Lost
- Deleting Files: Removing original media, messages, or emails can make it harder to prove your case. Always keep unaltered copies.
- Editing Content: Altering screenshots or files can reduce their credibility as evidence. Courts and platforms may reject edited evidence.
- Delaying Action: The longer you wait, the more likely content is to be copied, shared, or deleted by perpetrators. Act quickly to report and document.
- Using Unsecure Storage: Saving evidence only on your phone or a single device risks accidental loss. Use multiple secure backups.
When To Contact Police or Authorities
+- Explicit Content: If non-consensual explicit or intimate content is shared, contact law enforcement immediately. +- Impersonation with Harm: If deepfakes are used to defraud, threaten, or cause reputational harm, seek police or legal help. +- Threats or Extortion: If you receive threats, extortion, or blackmail, contact authorities and provide all evidence. +- If You’re a Minor: If you are under 18 and targeted, contact authorities and a trusted adult immediately. +- Suspicious but Limited Spread: If you are unsure or the content has limited spread, you may choose to monitor and document, but early consultation with authorities is always safe. +- If You’re Unsure: When in doubt, consult with authorities or legal professionals. Police can advise on next steps, even if you’re not sure a crime has occurred.
What Happens When You Report to Police?
Police may:
- Take a formal statement and collect your evidence.
- Advise you on your rights and available protections.
- Work with cybercrime units or digital forensics experts to investigate.
- Help you access victim support services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can deepfakes be removed from the internet? A: While it can be difficult, many platforms will remove deepfake content that violates their policies. Persistence and clear evidence help. Sniffer can assist with technical analysis and takedown requests.
Q: Will reporting make things worse? A: Most perpetrators rely on fear and silence. Reporting to platforms and authorities is the best way to stop the spread and hold them accountable.
Q: Can Sniffer help me prove a video is fake? A: Yes. Our forensic tools can analyze media and provide reports that may be useful for takedowns or legal action.
Q: What if the deepfake is being used for blackmail? A: Do not pay or negotiate. Contact law enforcement and preserve all evidence.
Additional Resources
Sniffer’s mission is to support and protect victims. We’re here to help you navigate the challenges of deepfakes with practical tools, responsible guidance, and a commitment to your safety and dignity. If you need assistance, contact us through our platform.