Manhattan DA Seizes 12 Celebrity Deepfake Websites in Major Nonconsensual Imagery Takedown

On September 14, 2026, the Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced the seizure of 12 domain names used for unlawfully sharing, publishing, and selling celebrity deepfake videos, marking what is likely the largest takedown of explicit deepfake websites to date. For broader context, explore our AI News. For broader context, explore our Top 100 AI Tools.

Manhattan DA's Office Leads Deepfake Enforcement

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office initiated this action to combat the proliferation of nonconsensual intimate imagery, a problem that has escalated since deepfake technology emerged around 2017. DA Alvin Bragg publicly urged potential victims to contact his office's cybercrime bureau, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to addressing these violations.

WIRED observed that several of the seized sites' homepages were replaced with notices stating, "THIS DOMAIN HAS BEEN SEIZED," confirming the legal action. The seizure was executed in accordance with New York criminal procedure law (CPL A690), utilizing a seizure warrant from the New York State Supreme Court.

Impact and Ongoing Investigations

The 12 seized domains hosted a substantial volume of nonconsensual content, affecting an estimated 1,200 individuals. While the websites have been taken down, investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible for operating the sites and uploading the illicit videos. This operation highlights the increasing capability of law enforcement to act against such content, partly enabled by legislation like the US Take It Down Act, which facilitates the removal of nonconsensual intimate images and allows for website seizures.

Legal Framework and Victim Support

The legal basis for this operation stems from New York's criminal procedure law, specifically CPL A690, which permits the seizure of domains under a court warrant. This framework provides a mechanism for authorities to disrupt the distribution networks of nonconsensual intimate imagery. The call from DA Alvin Bragg for victims to come forward underscores the importance of reporting such incidents to aid ongoing investigations and support those affected.

Conclusion

The seizure of 12 celebrity deepfake websites by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office marks a significant step in the fight against nonconsensual intimate imagery. This action, carried out on September 14, 2026, under a New York State Supreme Court warrant, demonstrates a proactive approach to combating the misuse of deepfake technology. As investigations continue, this case serves as a reminder of the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content and the critical need for robust enforcement and victim support.

Sources

• New York Seizes a Dozen Celebrity Deepfake Websites | WIRED
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