New York shuts down a dozen harmful AI deepfake websites targeting celebrities
The home page of an illegal AI deepfake site was replaced, above, following the website’s seizure by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Sept. 15, 2026 — In a sweeping move against the production of harmful deepfake imagery, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office yesterday announced the seizure of 12 websites used to illegally disseminate, publish, and sell non-consensual celebrity deepfake videos.
The people under investigation allegedly used artificial-intelligence image and video creation tools to turn pre-existing photos and videos of approximately 1,200 real people into what appear to be hyper-realistic images and videos of those individuals engaging in sexual conduct. They then used the seized websites to publish and sell those videos and similar non-consensual intimate imagery.
This week’s enforcement action represents one of the highest-profile examples of local law enforcement agencies using state laws to counter one of the most harmful products of generative AI.
“1,200 individuals had their faces and bodies stolen and turned into illegal pornography on 12 different websites, without their knowledge or consent,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “These horrific violations of privacy follow victims into their careers and personal lives and take an immense toll on emotional and mental wellbeing.”
AI used to create harmful images for profit
The seized websites advertised their ability to use generative AI to create and sell deepfake pornography using the images of well-known celebrities.
“The 1,200 victims are overwhelmingly women and primarily public-facing individuals,” the DA’s office announced, “including actors, politicians, athletes, musicians, social justice advocates, and social media influencers.”
Bragg’s office said the investigation into these websites and others remains ongoing.
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