Trolls Used Her Face to Make Fake Porn. There Was Nothing She Could Do.

Sabrina Javellana, a young city commissioner in Hallandale Beach, Florida, faced a devastating personal crisis when deepfake pornography featuring her likeness emerged online. After winning her seat in 2018, she became a target of online harassment, particularly after taking progressive stances on issues like police reform. In February 2021, she discovered that her images had been manipulated into explicit content on forums like 4chan, leading to feelings of fear and paranoia. Despite her efforts to seek help from law enforcement and legal advocates, she found little recourse, as there were no federal or state laws addressing the creation or distribution of non-consensual deepfake pornography.

Javellana's experience highlighted the growing threat of deepfakes, which have increasingly been used to create pornographic material without the consent of the individuals depicted. As she grappled with the emotional toll of the situation, she felt a loss of control over her body and public image. The lack of legal protections left her feeling vulnerable and isolated, as she distanced herself from friends and family, fearing they would not understand her plight. The incident not only impacted her personal life but also jeopardized her political career and future prospects. Ultimately, Javellana's story underscores the urgent need for legal frameworks to address the challenges posed by deepfake technology and protect individuals from such abuses.