When we think of people running major online scams or harmful websites, we usually picture hackers, career criminals, or shadowy figures hiding behind screens.
But what if it was just a regular guy a pharmacist?
That’s exactly what investigators at Bellingcat uncovered.
A Canadian pharmacist has been linked to one of the world’s largest and most disturbing deepfake porn websites, a site that has quietly operated for years and affected thousands of women around the world.
Watch the video below
What Did He Do?
The man allegedly used AI tools to create fake, sexually explicit videos of women. These weren’t just random people—many of the victims were real women whose faces had been scraped from social media.
He ran a network of sites and accounts offering “free” previews of these deepfake videos, and then charged users for uncensored, explicit versions. The business was organized, global, and shockingly easy to access.
Why It’s So Disturbing
This case is a major wake-up call for anyone paying attention to AI.
The person behind it wasn’t a tech expert or underground criminal. He was a healthcare professional, someone trusted in society. That’s what makes it so terrifying—because AI has become so accessible, anyone can misuse it.
And when it’s misused, it’s not just about misinformation. It’s about real people being exploited, their identities violated, their lives impacted—without ever knowing it’s happening.
What Are Deepfakes, Anyway?
Deepfakes are videos or images created using artificial intelligence that make it look like someone is doing or saying something they never did. In this case, it involved swapping real women’s faces onto explicit videos.
To viewers, the fakes can look real. And to the victims, the damage is real—even if the videos aren’t.
8 Practical Tips for Parents in the Age of AI and Deepfakes
AI tools are powerful and in the wrong hands, they can be dangerous. With deepfakes becoming more realistic and easier to create, it’s more important than ever for parents to be proactive about their child’s online safety.
Here’s how you can start:
1. Talk Early, Talk Often
Have open, ongoing conversations with your child about the internet—not just the fun parts, but the risks too. Talk about what deepfakes are and how images and videos can be manipulated without consent.
Keep it simple: “Sometimes people can use technology to fake pictures or videos. It’s important to come to me if you ever see something weird or upsetting.”
Teach your child to think before they post. Public selfies, dance videos, or innocent clips can be downloaded and used for the wrong reasons. Encourage private profiles and being selective about who they connect with online.
3. Delay Smartphones If You Can
The younger the child, the less they need full internet access. Consider delaying smartphones and opting for smartwatches or basic phones that only allow calling and texting.
4. Use Parental Controls—But Don’t Rely on Them Alone
Parental controls can block risky apps and set screen time limits, but they aren’t foolproof. What’s stronger is teaching your child why certain things are dangerous, so they can make better decisions themselves.
5. Do a Monthly “Digital Check-In”
Make it normal to review your child’s apps, privacy settings, and followers. You don’t have to snoop—just frame it as a teamwork activity. “Let’s do a quick phone check to make sure everything’s safe and working right.”
6. Teach Them to Spot Fakes
Show examples of obvious deepfakes or AI-generated content so your child learns to question what they see online. Critical thinking is one of their best tools in the digital world.
7. Model Safe Online Behavior
Kids follow your lead. If you’re sharing everything online or reacting emotionally to fake content, they’ll do the same. Show them what cautious, thoughtful digital behavior looks like.
8. Stop Sharing Pictures of Your Kids Online
It may seem harmless, but every photo you post adds to your child’s digital footprint. AI tools can scrape public images and use them in deepfakes or scams. If you must share, keep accounts private and limit who sees it.
