Is There Such A Thing As A Victimless Crime?

?? Content Warning: The following article discusses AI-generated deepfakes and explicit images of children, which may be sensitive or disturbing for some readers.

In the fast-evolving world of technology, AI-powered deepfakes have grown from a novel concept to a dangerous tool, used in ways that are threatening our privacy and morality. One particularly alarming development is the creation of deepfake child pornography, a disturbing trend that falls into legal gray areas, highlighting the need for urgent legislative reform.

During our recent episode of The Other Side of the Firewall, we discussed an article by Nyam Ansel from CyberNews, focusing on a Pennsylvania state senator’s push to address this gap in the law. As the laws currently stand, if the individual depicted in a deepfake isn't "real," prosecution is difficult, if not impossible. This has led to a chilling reality where victims, particularly minors, have no legal recourse.

As Shannon Tynes pointed out: "The laws need to catch up with technology that’s running ahead at an accelerated pace." Without stronger legal protections, victims may be left vulnerable, and predators could slip through loopholes.

Chris Abacon raised another critical issue: privacy. "The right for a company or anybody to use your likeness is under threat," he noted. Whether it’s malicious deepfakes or misusing personal data, privacy violations are at the heart of these issues.

This is not just about criminal activity. It’s a moral imperative to close the gaps in the law that allow perpetrators to evade justice. As deepfake technology evolves, it will become more sophisticated, making it harder to distinguish what’s real from what’s fake. We must stay vigilant, educate our communities, and push for meaningful legislative changes to protect vulnerable individuals—especially minors.

We also touched on a crucial takeaway from Daniel Acevedo : "We need to make sure our families understand how deepfakes work. Discuss it, have a plan, even something like a code word in case you suspect a video or phone call isn't legitimate." It’s a simple but vital step in protecting our loved ones as these technological threats grow.

The discussion is far from over, but one thing is clear—legal reform is essential, and it needs to happen now. Until then, we must continue raising awareness and protecting ourselves through knowledge and vigilance.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.

Stay safe, stay secure!

Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current roles at RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC and BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.

Shannon, also a retired Air Force veteran, has more than two decades of expertise in network security and vulnerability management. He now serves as an Information System Security Officer (ISSO) for the U.S. Space Force, where he continues to enhance national security protocols.

Chris, a Navy veteran with over ten years in IT, information assurance, and risk management, currently works at CompliancePoint. His roles include vCISO, RMF assessor, and consultant, focusing on enhancing data security and privacy for various organizations.

Daniel is an Air Force veteran with over 15 years of combined experience in IT, cybersecurity, information assurance, and government risk compliance. He has held various roles, including IT administrator, cybersecurity engineer, senior information system security manager, and currently serves as a senior security consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this latest role, Daniel leverages his expertise to address unique and complex challenges in the cyber and IT domains, enhancing his customers’ capabilities.

**The Other Side of the Firewall podcast is a product of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC. RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is a premier Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) consultancy dedicated to supporting the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), Federal agencies, and corporate entities. We specialize in delivering expert guidance to ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and enhance cybersecurity postures. RAM Cyber is pending SDVOSB, VOSB, and 8(a) certification by the SBA, underscoring our commitment to excellence and service.