Experts warn many AI-generated nude images go unreported

Many cases involving AI-generated nude images are believed to go unreported, while victims often hesitate to contact police, experts told ORF. They are calling for greater support and understanding for those affected.

Green European Parliament member Lena Schilling was among 138 women politicians whose images were altered to appear nude and posted online. The case is not thought to be isolated. Although police in Styria have received no corresponding reports, Sebastian Gölly of the Research Centre for Violence Prevention and Victim Protection said digital sexualised violence was widespread and that many cases never reached the authorities.

Victims are not only public figures. AI-generated images and videos are increasingly circulating in schools, sometimes depicting teachers. Shame and fear that reporting the material could draw more attention to it are among the reasons victims may not come forward.

Greta Pomberger, founder of the Mutausbruch self-help group, said victims needed more understanding from police. She also called for greater media literacy, particularly among girls and women, and said people should retain control of their own devices rather than leaving a partner to set up their phones.

Tools including Take It Down and StopNCII can help people find and remove intimate images of themselves.