Nudifying bots, deepfakes, and automated archives: how AI powers a monetized abuse ecosystem on Telegram
Key summary
Analysis of 2.8 million Telegram messages from 16 Italian and Spanish groups/channels shows an AI-fueled, monetized ecosystem for non-consensual intimate imagery.
Nudifying bots — which generate synthetic nude images from ordinary photos — are among the most sought services in those groups.
The word "bot" appears 16,232 times; disguised redirects led 49.71% to AI girlfriend generators and 19.14% to nudifying bots.
Archives of non-consensual images are sold for €20–€50 one-time or via subscriptions from €5/month; payments use PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or Bizum.
Researchers say Telegram’s design and Premium features enable the ecosystem, note Telegram earned $292M from premium in 2024, and call for VLOP classification, an EU ban on nudifying tools, and AI Act safeguards.
