Canadian Pharmacist Identified as Key Figure Behind Notorious Deepfake Porn Site MrDeepFakes.com

A joint international investigation by CBC News, Bellingcat, and Danish outlets Politiken and Tjekdet has uncovered the identity of a key figure behind one of the world's most notorious websites for non-consensual, AI-generated pornography: MrDeepFakes.com. The individual in question is David Do, a Canadian pharmacist who, until recently, worked at Oak Valley Health just outside Toronto.

Why It Matters

MrDeepFakes was the leading platform globally for deepfake porn, hosting tens of thousands of non-consensual and sometimes violent videos and images. These included depictions of celebrities, politicians, social media influencers, and private citizens. The site's activities have raised significant concerns about privacy, consent, and the ethical implications of AI misuse.

Key Risks

The exposure of MrDeepFakes highlights several critical risks:

1. Privacy Violations: Non-consensual deepfake porn poses a severe threat to individual privacy and personal integrity.
2. Legal Implications: The creation and distribution of such content may violate various laws, including those related to sexual assault and harassment.
3. Reputational Damage: Victims of non-consensual deepfakes often suffer significant emotional distress and reputational harm.
4. Technological Misuse: The incident underscores the potential for AI technologies to be misused in harmful ways.

The Investigation

The investigation, led by CBC News's visual investigations unit in collaboration with Bellingcat, Politiken, and Tjekdet, meticulously traced the activities of MrDeepFakes back to David Do. Key findings include:

• Financial Details: Do earns an annual salary of $121,000 as a hospital pharmacist.
• Personal Life: He owns a house just outside Toronto with his partner and drives a Tesla.
• Site Popularity: MrDeepFakes was the most popular site for deepfake porn globally.

The Opportunity

The exposure of David Do and the subsequent shutdown of MrDeepFakes present several opportunities:

1. Enhanced Regulation: This case can serve as a catalyst for more stringent regulations around AI-generated content, particularly in areas involving personal data and consent.
2. Public Awareness: Increased awareness about the risks of deepfake technology can lead to better protective measures and public education.
3. Legal Action: The identification of key figures behind such sites opens avenues for legal action and accountability.

Support for Victims

Support is available for anyone who has experienced sexual violence. You can access crisis lines and local support services through the Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

UPDATE: Following an investigation by Oak Valley Health in response to CBC's reporting, David Do is no longer an employee of the health network as of May 15, 2025.