Popular NRL presenter calls for deepfake law changes in NSW

A popular NRL presenter who was targeted in an explicit AI-generated deepfake is demanding authorities take urgent action to criminalise the creation of the vile images.

NRL presenter Tiffany Salmond, who recently had an explicit deepfake video made of her, has called for authorities to criminalise the creation of vile AI-generated images.

• ‘Shocking’ forum targets NSW women

A popular NRL presenter who was targeted in an explicit AI-generated deepfake is demanding authorities take urgent action to criminalise the creation of the “deeply violating” images.

Tiffany Salmond, who has been known for her coverage of New Zealand Warriors games on Fox League, spoke out last month on Instagram after she was depicted moving and performing “explicit actions” in a manipulated video that circulated online.

The presenter, based in Sydney, said the ordeal was “ shocking” and “surreal”.

Speaking to The Sunday Telegraph, Salmond said that NSW laws should be tightened to criminalise the creation of sexualised deepfakes without a person’s consent

“It shouldn’t even be a question,” she said.

NRL presenter Tiffany Salmond has stood defiant to those who targeted her in online deepfake video.

“Creating sexually explicit deepfakes of real people – without their consent – is a deeply violating act. The creation is the insidious part – sharing is easy.”

Salmond said she believed those creating deepfakes had the intention to circulate them and “publicly humiliate” victims.

“I’d bet almost no one is creating them purely for their own private enjoyment — and even if they were, the thought of that is still incredibly violating.”

The NRL presenter said the deepfakes made of her were created and circulated on anonymous online forums and private Discord chats.

“The users in these forums are aware of how to protect their anonymity and often go to lengths like using VPNs to stay hidden.”

The popular NRL presenter is using her voice to speak up for the other women targeted in deepfakes.

Salmond said she stood defiant to those who targeted her online, saying she saw through their “power play”.

“They saw me post a bikini photo and tried to degrade and humiliate me for it. But it didn’t work.

“I know I’ve become extremely desensitised to the perverse commentary surrounding my appearance but I’ve also come to see that desensitisation as a form of power.

“Having a deepfake made of an innocent photo is incredibly frightening for most women — and rightly so.

“While I personally haven’t felt the full emotional weight of it this time, I want to use my voice to speak up for the women who do.”

Any Australian experiencing online abuse can report it to: esafety.gov.au/report

Originally published as Popular NRL presenter calls for deepfake law changes in NSW