The Manhattan District Attorney's Office announced on September 14, 2026 that it had seized twelve internet sites that host deepfake pornography using the likenesses of well‑known public figures. The operation targeted platforms that distribute fabricated adult content in which the faces of celebrities are superimposed onto explicit video footage without consent.
According to the district attorney's office, the seized domains were identified as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal deepfake material. The sites were described as operating out of various hosting providers, but all were accessed by users in the United States and beyond. Law enforcement officials indicated that the content violates New York state statutes that prohibit the creation and distribution of non‑consensual sexual imagery, especially when it involves the manipulation of a person's likeness.
The crackdown reflects a broader effort by the Manhattan DA's office to combat the proliferation of synthetic media that infringes on privacy and personal rights. While the specific technical methods used to locate the sites were not disclosed, officials noted that the operation involved collaboration with technology experts and possibly other agencies to trace the online infrastructure supporting the illegal material.
The seized websites are now under the control of the district attorney's office pending further legal action. Authorities have not released details about any arrests or charges that may result from the seizure, but they emphasized that the move is intended to disrupt the distribution network for non‑consensual deepfake pornography.
This action follows increasing public concern over the misuse of deepfake technology to create pornographic content that exploits celebrities and other individuals. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office indicated that it will continue to monitor and pursue similar illegal operations as part of its commitment to protect victims of digital sexual exploitation.