Conclusion

In shining a light on the targeting of public officials with nonconsensual synthetic intimate imagery (NSII), this report aims to discourage the normalization of NSII in political life that both threatens individual well-being and weakens democratic institutions and processes. The evidence demonstrates that NSII functions as a deliberate weapon designed to manipulate electoral processes and undermine women’s political engagement. These attacks inflict severe psychological trauma, professional damage, and substantial legal burdens that can overwhelm officials’ capacity to serve effectively, with some abandoning their careers in electoral politics entirely.

The systemic implications extend far beyond individual harm. NSII creates a chilling effect that deters women from seeking office, pressures current officials to self-censor or limit their public visibility, and ultimately reduces the diversity of voices in political discourse. When women are driven from politics through sexualized attacks, society loses their perspectives, expertise, and leadership. Addressing NSII targeting of public officials is therefore essential not only to protect individual victims but to preserve the integrity and inclusiveness of democratic governance.