In 2024, Singapore witnessed a staggering 207% rise in identity fraud due to deepfake technology, according to a report from Sumsub’s Identity Fraud Report. This alarming surge in deepfake incidents underscores the growing threat posed by manipulated digital content and its potential to harm personal reputations and mental health. Deepfakes, which are AI-generated videos, images, and audio that impersonate individuals, are not just a technological phenomenon—they are a real and present danger to anyone online.

From revenge porn to political manipulation, the consequences of deepfakes are far-reaching. As a relationship counselor and clinical sexologist based in Singapore, I believe it’s essential to discuss the mental, emotional, and legal implications of such technology, and how individuals can proactively protect themselves. If you or someone you know is confronted with deepfake exploitation, understanding how to handle the situation mentally and legally can make a significant difference in recovery and resilience.

What Are Deepfakes?

Deepfake technology utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to create hyper-realistic videos, audio recordings, or images that can manipulate real people’s likenesses, often without their knowledge or consent. The term “deepfake” comes from the combination of “deep learning” (AI algorithms used to create these falsified representations) and “fake,” reflecting the deceptive nature of the content.

While deepfake technology is often used in entertainment, it has also been weaponized for malicious purposes, such as creating fake pornography, spreading false information, and causing personal harm. With these deepfakes being almost indistinguishable from real content, their spread across social media can have devastating consequences for the victims.

Why the Surge in Deepfake Exploitation is Worrying

The surge in deepfake-related crimes, such as the 207% increase in identity fraud in Singapore, is particularly alarming. According to Sumsub, deepfakes now account for 7% of all fraud attempts globally, and Singapore ranks among the countries experiencing the highest growth in these cases. From fake nude photos circulating online to the impersonation of public figures for fraudulent purposes, the impact is felt on a deeply personal level.

For victims, the effects are psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical. When fake explicit content is created, it often leads to extreme feelings of shame, violation, and helplessness. In some tragic instances, such as recent reports of suicide, victims may feel trapped in their trauma. Mental health professionals, including myself, emphasize that this is not just a matter of privacy but also of emotional well-being. Many individuals who face deepfake exploitation may experience severe anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts. The fear of their reputation being tarnished forever can be overwhelming.

Additionally, the public nature of deepfake exploitation means that the content can spread rapidly, often with irreversible consequences. For many, dealing with the social stigma attached to such violations becomes a daily struggle, reinforcing feelings of worthlessness.

How to Overcome Shame: Practical Steps to Protect Your Mental Health

If you find yourself or someone close to you a victim of deepfake exploitation, it’s important to take steps to protect your mental health and rebuild your sense of self-worth. Here are several practical strategies to follow:

1. Reach Out for Support
   The first step is to acknowledge the emotional toll of the situation and reach out for support. Friends, family, or professional therapists can provide invaluable assistance. In Singapore, services like AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research) and IMH (Institute of Mental Health) offer resources for people facing online abuse. Talking to someone can help alleviate the isolation that often accompanies such distressing experiences.
2. Understand that You Are Not Alone
   Deepfake exploitation is a crime, and victims should never feel alone in their journey. Singapore has clear legal measures in place to protect victims from online harassment and digital abuse. These include the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) and the Online Criminal Harms Act. By understanding your legal rights, you can take control of the situation and minimize feelings of powerlessness.
3. Document Everything
   If you are targeted by deepfake content, the next step is to document everything related to the incident. Take screenshots of any explicit content, save related messages, and track where and how the content is spreading. This documentation will be crucial for any legal actions you decide to take later. It also provides evidence in case the content needs to be removed.
4. Seek Legal Help
   As a victim of deepfake exploitation, you have the right to take legal action. In Singapore, there are several legal remedies to help protect your privacy and reputation. You can report the incident to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), which has handled previous cases involving deepfakes. Victims can also request the removal of harmful content from the internet through various legal channels. The Protection from Harassment Act (POHA) provides civil remedies, including financial compensation for damages caused by harassment.
5. Consult a Mental Health Professional
   Facing the emotional aftermath of a deepfake attack can be overwhelming. Consulting a therapist specializing in trauma and cyberbullying can help you rebuild your mental resilience. Therapists can guide you through self-care techniques, coping strategies, and emotional regulation to help mitigate the negative impact of deepfake exploitation on your mental well-being.

Mental and Practical Preparedness: Building Resilience for Future Threats

While no one wants to face the consequences of deepfake exploitation, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally in advance can make a huge difference in how you react when such incidents occur. Building resilience can help you bounce back from any future challenges in the digital world. Here are a few ways to protect yourself:

1. Foster a Strong Sense of Self-Worth
   The most important thing you can do is cultivate a strong sense of self-worth. You are more than what happens to you. Engage in self-reflection, self-care practices, and make time for activities that nourish your mental health. The more you affirm your value and identity, the easier it will be to ward off the emotional and psychological damage caused by negative online content.
2. Stay Cyber-Secure
   One way to avoid falling victim to deepfakes is to implement strong cybersecurity practices. This includes using two-factor authentication, avoiding sharing sensitive personal information, and being cautious about what you post online. Preventing fraud and impersonation is a proactive way to safeguard your digital identity.
3. Educate Yourself and Others
   Understanding deepfake technology and how it works can equip you with the tools to spot fraud or deception before it escalates. Stay informed about new fraud techniques and enhance your AI literacy. Knowledge is power—by educating yourself, you’re less likely to fall victim to emotional manipulation or deceptive digital content.
4. Advocate for Stronger Legislation
   While laws like the Online Criminal Harms Act are already in place in Singapore, it’s crucial for the public to continue advocating for stronger protections against deepfake exploitation. Working together as a community to push for more legislation can help ensure that victims have the legal recourse they need to protect themselves.
5. Lean on Your Support Network
   A robust support network of trusted individuals can be a lifeline if you ever find yourself targeted by deepfakes. Having a group of people who stand by you, whether it’s friends, family, or a professional network, can make it easier to handle the situation and help you regain control.

Empowerment in the Digital Age

Deepfake exploitation is a growing concern, but it’s one that can be overcome with the right mental preparation, legal knowledge, and support systems. The emotional and psychological toll of such attacks is real, but victims can regain their confidence and rebuild their lives with the right help.

If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of deepfake exploitation, reach out for help. As a trained relationship counselor and clinical sexologist, I’m here to offer support, resources, and guidance as you navigate these difficult situations. Contact us today to empower yourself and regain control of your emotional well-being in the digital world.

References

Sumsub. (2024, November 19). Singapore registers Asia-Pacific’s biggest spike in identity fraud, driven by deepfake surge. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com

Pang, N., & Chai, P. (2024, November 22). Rising deepfake threats: How the surge in deepfake identity fraud is changing Singapore’s landscape. Sumsub. https://www.sumsub.com

Lim, H. Y. F. (2024). Cyber hygiene and vigilance: Protecting yourself from digital fraud and scams. Nanyang Technological University. https://www.ntu.edu.sg

Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). (2024). The growing threats of deepfake technology and online security. Singapore Government. https://www.csa.gov.sg

About Dr. Martha Tara Lee