AI Enables Surge in Realistic Online Death Threats Against Activists

Australian activist Caitlin Roper has been the target of AI-generated death threats that are disturbingly realistic, including images and videos depicting her in violent scenarios such as hanging and being set on fire, often featuring personal details like her wearing a specific dress she owns. These threats, part of a broader surge of vitriol against her and her activist group Collective Shout, highlight how advancements in artificial intelligence—especially generative AI and deepfake technologies—are enabling more personalized and convincing online abuse. Experts warn that AI tools can now create lifelike voices and faces quickly, turning harassment into a powerful tool for fear and trauma. This trend is exacerbated by social media platforms that struggle to effectively police or respond to these abuses, sometimes even penalizing victims who report them. The phenomenon represents a new form of digital violence that blurs the line between fantasy and reality, causing significant psychological harm and raising urgent concerns about the misuse of AI technology. Researchers and activists call for greater caution and stronger safety measures to combat this alarming development.