Originally published on FuturPulse: Exploring Deepfake Marketplaces and the Future of EV Batteries
Exploring Deepfake Marketplaces and the Future of EV Batteries
Key Takeaways
- Civitai, an online marketplace, focuses on custom celebrity deepfakes, primarily targeting women.
- The demand for electric vehicles has surged, with EVs making up over 25% of global new vehicle sales in 2025.
- Sodium-ion battery production is advancing primarily in China due to reduced U.S. industry support.
- Solid-state batteries promise to enhance EV efficiency but face delays in commercial availability.
- Companies like Factorial Energy and Quantumscape are set to lead solid-state battery production in the near future.
The Download: inside a deepfake marketplace, and EV batteries’ future — Source: technologyreview.com
What We Know So Far
The Rise of Deepfake Marketplaces
deepfake marketplaces — Civitai has emerged as a prominent online platform where users can purchase custom instruction files for creating bespoke celebrity deepfakes, with a notable focus on pornographic content. Between mid-2023 and the end of 2024, nearly 90% of the requests for these deepfakes were targeted at women.
With a $5 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz in 2023, Civitai is positioned to grow its influence, though this triumph raises ethical concerns regarding consent and privacy.
Advancements in EV Battery Technology
Simultaneously, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum. In 2025, EVs comprised over 25% of new vehicle sales worldwide, highlighting growing consumer acceptance and demand.
This trend has intensified the focus on battery technology, particularly sodium-ion batteries, which are predominantly being produced in China due to recent reductions in U.S. support for domestic battery manufacturing.
Key Details and Context
More Details from the Release
Civitai has a system that allows individuals featured in deepfakes to request takedowns, but moderation is largely dependent on public reporting.
Companies like Factorial Energy and Quantumscape are developing solid-state batteries and aim to enter commercial production later this decade.
Solid-state batteries could enable longer-range EVs by packing more energy in a smaller package, but their commercial availability has been delayed significantly.
Production and demand for sodium-ion batteries are currently centered in China due to a cutback in financial support for the battery industry in the US.
The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased, with EVs comprising over a quarter of global new vehicle sales in 2025.
Civitai has received a $5 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz in 2023.
Between mid-2023 and the end of 2024, 90% of deepfake requests on Civitai targeted women.
Civitai is an online marketplace that allows users to buy custom instruction files for generating celebrity deepfakes, with a focus on pornographic content.
Civitai has a system that allows individuals featured in deepfakes to request takedowns, but moderation is largely dependent on public reporting.
Companies like Factorial Energy and Quantumscape are developing solid-state batteries and aim to enter commercial production later this decade.
Solid-state batteries could enable longer-range EVs by packing more energy in a smaller package, but their commercial availability has been delayed significantly.
Production and demand for sodium-ion batteries are currently centered in China due to a cutback in financial support for the battery industry in the US.
The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) has significantly increased, with EVs comprising over a quarter of global new vehicle sales in 2025.
Civitai has received a $5 million investment from Andreessen Horowitz in 2023.
Between mid-2023 and the end of 2024, 90% of deepfake requests on Civitai targeted women.
Civitai is an online marketplace that allows users to buy custom instruction files for generating celebrity deepfakes, with a focus on pornographic content.
Market Implications for Deepfakes
The prevalence of deepfakes is unsettling, particularly when they target individuals without consent. As Ryan Calo notes, “you cannot knowingly facilitate illegal transactions on your website.” Yet, platforms like Civitai are walking a fine line, enabling a space previously restricted to technical enthusiasts.
“you cannot knowingly facilitate illegal transactions on your website,”
— Ryan Calo, technologyreview.com
This marketplace raises pressing questions about regulation and legal recourse, as existing frameworks are inadequate. “Neither law enforcement nor civil courts adequately protect against it. It is night and day,” reiterates an expert.
The Future Landscape of EV Batteries
In terms of EV technology, solid-state batteries offer significant potential by enabling longer ranges and increasing energy density in a smaller form factor. However, their commercial rollout has faced pervasive delays.
Companies such as Factorial Energy and Quantumscape are on the leading edge as they aim to enter production within the decade. Their efforts is expected to be pivotal in shaping the future of battery technology.
What Happens Next
Monitoring Deepfake Dynamics
As the demand for deepfake services increases, a comprehensive approach to legislation and ethical guidelines is essential. Civitai is implementing measures for moderation but largely relies on public reporting to address complaints.
This approach is precarious, as users could exploit loopholes in the system. Awareness and conversations about consent and digital identity is expected to become increasingly crucial.
Battery Technology Developments
For EVs, the continuous evolution of battery technology is expected to likely dictate market conditions. With sodium-ion and solid-state batteries stirring interest, manufacturers may face challenges in balancing supply with burgeoning consumer demand.
The path forward necessitates cooperation across regions and industries to enhance production capabilities and sustainability measures in battery manufacture.
Why This Matters
Societal and Industrial Impacts
Both deepfakes and advancements in EV battery technology highlight the significant shifts occurring in our technological landscape. As deepfake technology becomes more accessible, societal implications may impact privacy norms and interpersonal relationships.
“They are not afraid enough of it. They are overly tolerant of it,”
Simultaneously, the growth of the EV market coupled with battery innovation presents both opportunities and challenges in achieving global sustainability milestones.
FAQ
What is Civitai?
Civitai is an online marketplace for custom instruction files to generate AI deepfakes, notably in adult content.
What advancements are being made in EV batteries?
Sodium-ion and solid-state batteries are key focuses, with companies working on improving their technology for better range and efficiency.
Sources
- The Download: Inside a deepfake marketplace, and EV batteries' future
- The Download | MIT Technology Review
- Inside the marketplace powering bespoke AI deepfakes of real women
- What’s next for EV batteries in 2026
- What's Next in Tech
Originally published on FuturPulse.
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