How Atrioc is Combating Deepfakes on Twitch
Brandon "Atrioc" Ewing, a prominent Twitch streamer, recently returned to the platform after a six-week hiatus following a deepfake controversy. His focus since returning has been on combating the harmful spread of deepfake content, particularly those targeting female streamers, and supporting those impacted by this issue.
The Deepfake Scandal
In early 2023, Atrioc found himself in the middle of a controversy when it was revealed that he had accessed explicit deepfakes of other female streamers. This disclosure led to widespread backlash in the online community. Atrioc issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing deep remorse for his mistake. He stepped away from content creation, committing to fight against the spread of such harmful content.
Working to Take Down Deepfakes
During his hiatus, Atrioc focused on removing deepfake content from the internet. He worked with the law firm Morrison Rothman, donating $60,000 to help fund DMCA takedowns for female Twitch streamers affected by deepfakes. This fund is available for streamers seeking legal assistance in removing their likeness from harmful content online.
Atrioc also collaborated with Ceartas, a company specializing in deepfake removal, to improve their algorithms for identifying and eliminating such content. Streamers like Maya Higa, QTCinderella, Pokimane, and Amouranth have joined his efforts, resulting in the removal of thousands of deepfake sites.
Atrioc's Return to Streaming
On March 14th, 2023, Atrioc made his comeback on Twitch to update his audience about his efforts to combat deepfakes. Despite technical difficulties during the stream, he provided details on the actions he's been taking, including working with legal and technical experts to address the issue. He emphasized his ongoing dedication to the cause and the importance of collaboration within the Twitch community to solve the problem.
Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps
Atrioc has stated that his primary focus remains on tackling the deepfake crisis, and he asked fans not to expect regular streams or content for the foreseeable future. His goal is to continue working with legal teams, technology experts, and affected streamers to strengthen efforts against deepfakes, ensuring a safer environment for creators on Twitch.
Conclusion
Atrioc’s response to the controversy showcases his commitment to righting a wrong and addressing a growing problem in the digital age. His efforts, supported by major figures in the Twitch community, highlight the importance of collective action in tackling harmful technologies like deepfakes.
