Telegram Faces Legal Challenges Over Deepfake Chatbots

A recent investigation by Wired has revealed that AI-powered chatbots on Telegram are being used by millions to create explicit and nude images of real individuals through deepfake technology. These chatbots, which are easily accessible and have about 4 million users monthly, allow users to manipulate images by removing clothing or fabricating sexual activity, raising serious privacy concerns. Experts like Henry Ajder have described the situation as 'nightmarish,' particularly highlighting the risk to young women and girls. The platform has been criticized for its role in facilitating this misuse, with incidents of sextortion and blackmail being reported. Despite the growing scrutiny and legal challenges faced by Telegram and its CEO Pavel Durov, the platform continues to host these bots, leading to public outcry and demands for stricter regulations. Deepfake technology has also resulted in significant harm, with reports indicating that 40% of US students have encountered such content in schools.