Survey Reveals U.S. Leads Global Traffic to Websites Generating Deepfake Explicit Images

Subheadline:Japan ranks third, with millions accessing sites that create sexual deepfake content using generative AI**

A recent survey conducted by the Japanese media group **Yomiuri Shimbun** has revealed that the United States leads the world in visits to websites that allow users to create explicit deepfake images using generative AI technology. These deepfake images, which often depict individuals in sexually explicit scenarios, are generated through AI tools and can be shared across social media platforms.

According to media reports, the data indicates that the U.S. is the largest contributor to traffic on these websites, with over **59.73 million visits**. Following the U.S. is **India**, with **24.57 million visits**, and **Japan**, ranking third with **18.43 million visits** in the past year. Together, these three countries make up a significant portion of the global traffic to such sites.

The survey, which analyzed **41 websites** that facilitate the creation of fake sexual images, was conducted by **SimilarWeb Limited**, a digital analytics firm, examining digital traffic from **December 2023 to November 2024**. The report highlights that **Russia** and **Germany** are also major contributors, with **17.59 million** and **16.86 million visits**, respectively.

The increasing use and sharing of explicit deepfake images have become a growing issue not only in Japan but globally. The problem is exacerbated by platforms that enable users to easily create and distribute this content, often without any significant oversight or regulation.

Experts have raised concerns about the damage caused by deepfake technology, urging stronger regulations to prevent its harmful use. **Professor Eiichiro Sato** of the **National Institute of Informatics** in Japan emphasized the need for stricter laws and increased digital literacy to combat this growing issue effectively.

This development has sparked a global conversation about the ethical implications of AI-generated content, especially regarding consent, privacy, and the potential harm to individuals who have their images manipulated without permission. As deepfake technology becomes more advanced and accessible, governments, tech companies, and civil society groups are under increasing pressure to find solutions to mitigate the risks associated with its misuse.