Rebecca Umbach

Rebecca Umbach, Griffin Hunt, John Buckley et al.

Google Search deploys a "Onebox" feature at the top of the results page when users conduct searches for Child Sexual Abuse Material. This study evaluates the impact of a strategic shift in this feature, comparing a revised intervention, focused on repercussions and therapeutic resources, to a previous iteration that focused on reporting. Using a difference-in-differences analysis of internal Google Search logs data, we found the new messaging resulted in a 3.8 percentage point reduction as compared to the status quo in subsequent CSAM-related queries within the same Search session. We found an average click through rate of 0.73% on any of the hyperlinked buttons to help-providing resources. Together, this research presents convergent evidence that a subset of individuals can be deterred from ongoing CSAM-seeking and redirected to therapeutic services.

Rebecca Umbach, Nicola Henry, Gemma Beard et al.

Deepfake technologies have become ubiquitous, "democratizing" the ability to manipulate photos and videos. One popular use of deepfake technology is the creation of sexually explicit content, which can then be posted and shared widely on the internet. Drawing on a survey of over 16,000 respondents in 10 different countries, this article examines attitudes and behaviors related to "deepfake pornography" as a specific form of non-consensual synthetic intimate imagery (NSII). Our study found that deepfake pornography behaviors were considered harmful by respondents, despite nascent societal awareness. Regarding the prevalence of deepfake porn victimization and perpetration, 2.2% of all respondents indicated personal victimization, and 1.8% all of respondents indicated perpetration behaviors. Respondents from countries with specific legislation still reported perpetration and victimization experiences, suggesting NSII laws are inadequate to deter perpetration. Approaches to prevent and reduce harms may include digital literacy education, as well as enforced platform policies, practices, and tools which better detect, prevent, and respond to NSII content.