Vicky Pattison has seriously divided opinion after revealing why she released her own 'deepfake sex tape' to the public.
The 37-year-old reality TV star, best known for her appearance on programmes including Geordie Shore and Ex on the Beach, has recently fronted a brand-new documentary which only landed on Channel 4 yesterday (28 January).
Despite 'wrestling with the decision' to do so, Vicky ultimately directed, produced, and distributed her own X-rated video using artificial intelligence technology to superimpose her face onto the actress portraying her.
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Check out the official trailer for Vicky Pattison: My Deepfake Sex Tape here:
The doc explores just how easy it is to make these videos, who is behind them, and what - if anything - can actually be done about it.
The 'sex tape' in question sees the actors getting intimate with one another. However, they don't actually have sex, and it's all simulated.
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Vicky then uploaded the clip to social media, something which she's come under fire for over 'missing the point' of deepfake sex tapes.
A deepfake image abuse survivor-campaigner named Jodie has since told LADbible she felt 'deeply offended' by the decision for the video to be released.
Noting that both herself and other survivor organisations had 'strongly advised against this approach', Jodie added: "While Vicky’s intentions may have been to raise awareness, this decision by Channel 4 feels like a betrayal to survivors like me who have fought tirelessly for recognition, dignity, and justice."
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Following the criticism, a Channel 4 spokesperson told LADbible: "We understand that there have been varying views on this approach. In this documentary, Vicky aims to demonstrate how simple it is to create explicit deepfake content and raise awareness of how accessible this content is and how it can proliferate online.
"She also wanted to experience, as closely as possible, the feelings, vulnerabilities, and concerns that arise when one becomes a victim of deepfake porn."
Explaining her own personal reasoning behind sharing the video, Vicky explained that she wanted to learn more about how just how quickly this kind of deepfake content can spread online alongside the processes involved in attempting to get it taken down.
"I am hugely passionate about women’s issues and have found myself increasingly disturbed by how prevalent the problem of deepfake porn is becoming," the 37-year-old explained.
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"This is just the latest trend in the abuse of women and having met some of the inspirational women who have put their lives back together after being victims of sexually-explicit deepfake abuse, I feel more strongly than ever that we need to stand with these women and continue to put pressure on the greater powers within the Government to catch up with the speed at which this technology is advancing."
While many were far from happy with the doc, others have rushed in to praise Vicky's 'bravery' with one X user writing: "Vicky Pattison feeling she needed to apologise for becoming emotional and crying during this documentary.
"I will say that showed how much she cares about the topic I love when TV personalities use their platform for the benefit of others.
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"Another excellent documentary."
They added: "I really like how it's giving a voice to the victims of deepfake pornography. It also shines a light on the darkest corners of the internet. I also like how the women are being treated with the utmost respect."
Another chimed in: "@VickyPattison thank you for the courage to show how disgusting these AI sites are. It made me feel dirty being a man, quicker the government make these illegal the better. Excellent documentary."
"Brilliant documentary, very brave of you to expose what can be done these days," gushed a final X user.
Vicky Pattison: My Deepfake Sex Tape is currently available to stream on Channel 4.
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Celebrity, Channel 4, Crime, Documentaries, Geordie Shore, Sex and Relationships, TV And Film, Technology, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle