Reality star Georgia Harrison has opened up about her ongoing distress over a sexually explicit video of her that remains online, despite her former partner Stephen Bear’s conviction. The 30-year-old is now leading a two-part ITV documentary that delves into the dark world of deepfakes and image-based abuse.
A Battle That Never Ends
Harrison, known for her appearances on Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex, has been one of the most vocal figures in the fight against revenge porn. Her ex-boyfriend, Stephen Bear, was sentenced to 21 months in prison in 2023 for distributing a private video of them without her consent. But for Harrison, the punishment didn’t mean closure.
She revealed that despite the conviction, the video continues to surface across the internet. “I really struggle knowing that it’s still out there,” she admitted. “People send me clips all the time. It’s always in the back of my mind. Facing how widespread it still is was incredibly tough.”
Even with laws in place, victims often find that once their private content is online, removing it completely is nearly impossible. The emotional toll is relentless, and Harrison is pushing for stronger action from both the government and tech companies to protect victims.
The Deepfake Dilemma
As technology advances, a new threat has emerged: deepfakes. These artificially generated videos can place anyone’s face onto explicit content, making it appear disturbingly real.
Harrison has been flooded with messages from worried parents, saying their children have been targeted. “It’s the same feeling of humiliation and violation,” she explained. “Even if the images are fake, the emotional impact is just as devastating.”
One of the major concerns is how easily these videos can be created and shared. AI tools, once considered futuristic, are now accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
- The rise of deepfake technology has made it harder to distinguish real from fake.
- Victims face social stigma even when the content is fabricated.
- Tech companies are struggling to keep up with the rapid spread of AI-generated abuse.
For Harrison, the fight isn’t just about removing harmful content—it’s about changing the mindset that allows this abuse to thrive.
Government Action: Not Enough?
The UK’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023 under the previous Conservative government, was meant to crack down on harmful content online. Social media platforms are now legally required to protect users, but enforcement remains patchy.
Labour’s technology secretary, Peter Kyle, recently called the country’s internet safety laws “uneven” and “unsatisfactory.” Many victims, including Harrison, feel let down by the slow response from lawmakers and tech firms.
“For this problem to stop, it’s not just about tougher laws—it’s about companies taking responsibility,” she said. “The government and higher-ups need to work together to make sure victims aren’t left fighting this battle alone.”
Currently, victims have limited options when trying to remove explicit content. While some platforms offer takedown requests, the process can be slow and ineffective. In many cases, by the time content is removed from one site, it has already been uploaded elsewhere.
| Issue | Current Status | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Revenge porn removals | Possible, but difficult | Content spreads too quickly |
| Deepfake regulations | Limited laws exist | Hard to track AI-generated content |
| Tech company involvement | Some policies in place | Enforcement is weak |
Harrison hopes her documentary will push the conversation forward. “We need more awareness, and we need real change,” she stressed. “Victims shouldn’t have to go through this alone.”
The Emotional Toll on Victims
For those targeted, the effects are long-lasting. Harrison’s experience has shown that revenge porn and deepfake abuse aren’t just legal battles—they’re deeply personal ones.
She’s spoken about the anxiety of constantly being on alert, fearing that someone, somewhere, has seen her private moments. “It’s not just about the video itself—it’s about losing control of your own life,” she said.
The shame and humiliation victims endure often lead to mental health struggles, with many withdrawing from public life. The psychological scars can be as damaging as the initial violation.
“For me, standing up and speaking out is the only way forward,” Harrison said. “It wasn’t easy, but it was the best thing I could do—not just for me, but for other women facing the same nightmare.”
Her documentary is expected to shed light on these harsh realities, offering a voice to those who feel unheard. As discussions around online safety evolve, Harrison remains a determined advocate for change.
