Meta's Oversight Board Calls for Stronger Protection Against Sexualized Deepfakes for Ordinary People
Meta's Oversight Board has recommended the social media company enhance protections for ordinary people targeted by sexualized deepfakes, suggesting policy changes and reporting system improvements.
Meta's Oversight Board has urged the social media giant to bolster its defenses for ordinary individuals who become victims of sexualized deepfakes. The Board recommends adding AI-generated impersonations to the company's Adult Sexual Exploitation policy, arguing that such content is non-consensual by default. It also wants users to be able to designate trusted contacts—like friends or family—who can report violations on their behalf. Additionally, the Board advises making AI-generated sexual impersonation a separate category in content reporting and appeal forms, distinct from harassment or nudity. Currently, only residents of Texas and Florida have access to a specialized form that lists deepfake intimate imagery as a reporting reason. The Board calls for this to be available to all Meta users, stating that "AI-generated non-consensual intimate abuse, including sexualized impersonations, is a global issue."
These recommendations stem from an investigation into a case where Meta ignored a user's report about a sexualized impersonation of a friend on Instagram. The user appealed to the Board after Meta twice refused to remove an AI-generated video showing a woman adjusting her dress, with her underwear visible in several frames. The individual depicted had already deactivated her account. Meta initially did not remove the video because there were no indications it depicted a real person. Only self-reporting by the victim would have triggered a violation of the Adult Sexual Exploitation policy. The Board notes that this system favors public figures, as ordinary people find it harder to involve law enforcement or media. The Board overturned Meta's decision and required the video's removal.
This is not the first time the Board has criticized Meta regarding AI content and moderation. In mid-2025, it called the company's inconsistent enforcement "incoherent and unjustifiable." In March, the Board urged Meta to create a separate rule for AI content, distinct from its misinformation policy. While Meta is not obligated to implement these recommendations, the Board will monitor any adoption.
