A growing wave of litigation is emerging on behalf of individuals—particularly minors—who have been targeted by AI-generated “deepfake” images. These cases raise serious concerns about privacy, consent, and the responsibility of technology companies that enable or profit from these tools.
Recent reporting and a newly filed lawsuit describe allegations that artificial intelligence software was used to create sexually explicit images of minors without their knowledge or consent, using real photographs as source material. The complaint further alleges that these images were circulated online, in some cases alongside identifying information, exposing victims to reputational harm, harassment, and severe emotional distress.
A Devastating and Growing Harm
Victims of deepfake abuse often experience:
- Loss of control over their image and identity
- Damage to personal and academic or professional reputation
- Anxiety, fear, and social withdrawal
- Ongoing harm from the continued online circulation of fabricated content
Because these images can appear highly realistic, victims may be forced to repeatedly explain that the content is not real—an unfair and deeply harmful burden.
Legal Accountability Is Evolving
Courts are beginning to grapple with how existing laws apply to AI-generated abuse. Claims being pursued on behalf of victims include:
- Invasion of privacy and misappropriation of likeness
- Negligence and failure to implement reasonable safeguards
- Defective product and dangerous design theories
- Consumer protection violations and misrepresentation
Importantly, plaintiffs are also advancing arguments that AI platforms may be held accountable where their tools materially contribute to the creation of harmful content—an issue that may limit traditional immunity defenses under federal law.
You May Have a Claim
If you or your child has been targeted by AI-generated explicit or manipulated images, you may have legal options—even if:
- You did not create or share the content
- The images were generated by a third party
- The content has already been taken down (or continues to circulate)
Legal claims may be available against individuals, platforms, or companies involved in the creation, distribution, or facilitation of the content.
How Sauder Schelkopf Can Help
Sauder Schelkopf represents victims in complex litigation involving privacy violations, online harms, and emerging technologies. We are actively investigating claims related to AI-generated deepfake abuse and are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.
We handle these matters with discretion and sensitivity.
Contact Us
If you believe you or a family member has been affected by AI-generated deepfake content, please contact us for a confidential consultation.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also selected our attorneys as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
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