Deepfakes and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: Legal Risks and HR Responses
1 Hour Breakout

Emerging technologies like deepfakes, a form of AI-generated synthetic media, are reshaping the landscape of workplace misconduct, introducing new threats to employee dignity and organizational integrity. Deepfakes are increasingly being weaponized in acts of sexual harassment, creating unprecedented challenges for HR professionals. This session examines the intersection of technology and employment law, focusing on how HR can respond when deepfake content is used to target employees. Attendees will explore the legal ramifications of deepfake harassment, including potential claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, invasion of privacy, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. We will discuss how to update anti-harassment policies to include digital misconduct, conduct legally sound investigations, and preserve digital evidence in accordance with e-discovery protocols. HR professionals must now act as digital guardians—protecting employees from threats that may not be physically present but are emotionally and reputationally devastating. This session will also address trauma-informed response strategies, the role of cybersecurity in HR investigations, and the importance of cross-functional collaboration with IT and legal departments. In a world where technology can be used to undermine dignity, HR’s superpower lies in its ability to uphold justice, foster psychological safety, and adapt policies to meet emerging threats.