Protecting our public image has been a key concern for individuals throughout history, even before the internet transformed how we share and access information. From protecting physical likenesses and reputations in print media to defending against unauthorized digital representations in today's AI-driven world, the desire to maintain control over one’s identity remains a timeless priority. This demand to control our public persona has historically driven the development of laws designed to protect reputations and prevent exploitation. With the emergence of the internet, the scope of these protections has had to significantly expand in order to address the new unique challenges posed by digital technologies. As active internet users, it is important for us to understand the legal frameworks used to protect us and the internet from the ever evolving digital threats we face today.

The internet, as we know it, has only been around since the early 1990s. Yet, as of October 2024, there were over 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, more than half of the global population. This rapid expansion has granted unparalleled access to knowledge and communication, making the internet a cornerstone of modern information and a daily necessity for billions. However, with this widespread reliance comes inherent vulnerabilities, an inevitable consequence of any vast interconnected system.

Every day, millions of social media users unknowingly interact with fraudulent accounts designed to deceive them. While advancements in deepfake technology have captured the public's attention, their spotlight overshadows a far more pervasive and damaging issue, impersonator accounts. These accounts have become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging stolen images, personal details, and synthetic content to convincingly impersonate individuals or organizations and intentionally deceive other social media users.