A British woman whose modelling photos were manipulated into sexually explicit deepfake images without her knowledge has called for stronger regulation of artificial intelligence, warning that the technology can be “dangerous” when used improperly.
Georgia Horton discovered that photographs from her social media accounts had been altered using AI to create inappropriate images. The person responsible was identified as her former college friend, Ethan Orchard.
Orchard, a resident of Southsea, was sentenced in July to up to three years and four months in prison for creating and sharing sexual images of Horton and two other women.
He also encouraged other men to make violent and sexually explicit comments about the women by posting disturbing ideas about them online.
Horton said the experience was extremely distressing, particularly as some of the online posts became increasingly disturbing.
Speaking to the BBC, she said Orchard had encouraged people to choose between the women and discuss what they would do to them.
Horton speaks out about AI misuse
Horton and Orchard had attended college together in Hampshire, and she had previously described him as a friend.
Now, Horton is publicly discussing her experience to raise awareness about what she describes as the “darker side” of artificial intelligence and the potential dangers of increasingly accessible AI tools.
“Everyone looks to be so pro-AI, believing it's just a little fun on a system screen,” she said. “But it's risky.”
Her case has highlighted growing concerns surrounding AI-generated sexual imagery, particularly the ability to create realistic fake photographs of people without their knowledge or consent.
New UK law does not go far enough
The UK introduced new laws earlier this year making it illegal to generate sexually explicit deepfake images of someone without their consent.
The legislation builds on existing offences relating to the disclosure of intimate or personal images of adults without their permission.
While Horton described the new law as “a beginning,” she said it does not go far enough to protect victims from the growing misuse of artificial intelligence.
Calls for stronger deepfake protections
As AI technology becomes increasingly accessible and capable of producing highly convincing fake images, concerns over non-consensual sexual deepfakes have continued to grow.
Horton's experience has added to calls for stronger regulations, better safeguards and greater protection for people whose photographs can be manipulated without their consent.
Her warning also underscores the personal consequences of AI misuse, particularly when technology is used to target individuals with fabricated sexual or violent content.
