Pokimane Discloses Huge Expenses for Internet Security Team to Combat Deepfakes and Doxxing

Twitch sensation Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys has candidly shared the challenges that come with her internet fame, revealing a staggering financial commitment towards her online safety. As the most-followed woman on Twitch, Pokimane has not only built a gaming empire, but she has also ventured into the snack industry and even graced the Grammy Awards.

Despite her financial success, the reality of being a public figure is stark. In a recent podcast appearance on February 12 with YouTube creators Colin and Samir, Pokimane opened up about the significant expenses she incurs monthly to protect herself from online threats, including stalking and harassment.

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The High Cost of Security

Pokimane disclosed that her monthly expenditure on online security measures surpasses “five figures, ” a sum she allocates to various teams and companies tasked with preventing issues like doxxing, deepfakes, and unauthorized use of her name and likeness. According to her, the online landscape has dramatically changed over the past five years, with emerging challenges such as the misuse of artificial intelligence posing new threats.

“To be honest, there are just new problems now that didn’t exist five years ago, ” she stated, highlighting her concerns about AI-generated content that utilizes her voice without consent or in commercial contexts. This evolution of risks has compelled her to adopt stringent protective measures.

Detailing her extensive security protocols, Pokimane shared how she takes proactive steps to hide her location. For each move, she employs specialists to remove any online trace of her previous addresses, and occasionally even renovates her new spaces to deter unwanted attention.

Pokimane smiles for a selfie on Instagram. — Instagram: pokimanelol

“I literally have people that I have to pay monthly to essentially scour the internet and see whether my address is online anywhere and then take it down, ” she stated.“I wish that wasn’t the case.” The need for such extreme security measures has also forced her into living arrangements that prioritize safety, limiting her options to high-security buildings.

Moreover, she expressed her desire for a more conventional lifestyle, stating, “As much as I wish I could live in a house or live with other people, I just can’t.” This candid reflection underscores the pressures faced by public figures in the digital age.

The issue of online safety is not isolated to Pokimane. In 2023, numerous female streamers were outraged to discover that an AI deepfake website was exploiting their likenesses for inappropriate content. This revelation led to legal threats from creators like QTCinderella, further illustrating the increasing need for online protection among influencers.

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