The dance company Dançando com a Diferença has expressed concern over the creation of fake social media profiles and the use of images of people with Down Syndrome to promote sexual content.
The organization highlights the risks of abusive image use without consent, calling for the protection of the rights of people with disabilities in the digital space. Some accounts use real photos from the internet, while others employ AI-generated images, raising issues of consent, privacy, and potential sexual exploitation.
Dançando com a Diferença emphasizes that sexuality is a natural part of life, but the problem lies in the unauthorized misuse of third-party images. The company is monitoring the use of its performers' images and urges the community to report suspicious situations on digital platforms, saving evidence for potential future complaints.
Artistic director Henrique Amoedo stresses the importance of not allowing hard-won visibility to be used for exploitation or disrespect towards people with disabilities, advocating that representation must always be linked to respect, dignity, and the right to control one's own image.
