Deepfakes are fake images, videos, or audio recordings that have been digitally created or edited. They are not always illegal.

They sometimes show a real person doing or saying something that never actually happened.

Examples of illegal deepfakes

Deepfakes that are illegal can include images, videos, or messages that are used as:

• revenge porn (also called intimate image abuse)
• stalking
• harassment
• blackmail
• sextortion
• child abuse or child sexual abuse
• hate crime or encouraging hate crime
• committing fraud
• to cause harm
• promoting, glorifying, or helping carry out acts of terrorism

You can report deepfakes to us if you’re in Scotland. If you want to find out more about the types of illegal deepfakes, read Police UK’s guide.

If you want to tell us about deepfakes, you can report it online, by phone, or in person.

Report it using our online form

Learn about other ways you can report a crime to us

If you see a harmful deepfake or one that is meant to look like you, you should:

• report it to the social media or website it was shared on
• save or screenshot photos and messages (to give to us when you report it)
• not share intimate photos of someone else
• block the sender

If you report it to us, it can help if you record:

• what was said or sent
• what platform, website, or app it was on
• when it was sent or posted
• the sender's name or username (if known)

If the deepfake is sexual or nude, you can also report it to:

• Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (Stop NCII) who can help stop it being shared
• Report Remove can help report and remove the images if you’re 18 or younger