4chan threads are functioning as the origin point for the dissemination of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) across platforms.

WIRED recently featured ISD’s analysis on 4chan’s misogynist ‘wizards,’ who will manipulate images of women to create deepfakes where they appear undressed or are committing sexual acts.

The outlet also spoke to the paper’s author, Leonie Oehmig, ISD Digital Policy and Research Analyst, who spoke on ISD’s analysis of the discussions surrounding the creation of NCII on 4chan. Particularly, she noted the relationship between the so-called “wizards” and users urging them to “nudify” women.

“It was so glorifying,” Leonie said. “It’s like, ‘Do your magic, work your magic.’ These people who were creating this abusive material are referred to as ‘sir’ or ‘master.’ I guess that’s one of the reasons why the creators actually do it.”

Leonie also said that this behavior is not as “fringe” as people may think, and the solicitation of NCII on 4chan is often tied to personal relationships.

“I found a lot of very specific requests for notification that were actually about family members, friends, colleagues, bosses, you name it,” Leonie said. “It’s very often people very close to the victims themselves, without them probably even knowing about it.”

The full article is available on WIRED.