The Dark Side of AI: Deepfake Nude Images and its Impact on Women and Teens

• Deepfake

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a game-changer in many fields, from healthcare to transportation. However, the rise of AI has also led to the emergence of a disturbing trend: the creation of fake nude images. These images, often created without the knowledge or consent of the individuals depicted, have caused widespread distress and harm. The victims are often ordinary women and teenagers who are not in the public eye, making the issue even more problematic.

“It’s now very much targeting girls. Young girls and women who aren’t in the public eye.” - Sophie Maddocks, a researcher and digital rights advocate at the University of Pennsylvania.

The Boom in AI-Generated Fake Nude Images

AI tools have enabled an unprecedented increase in fake nude images, with the top 10 websites hosting AI-generated nude photos seeing a rise of more than 290 percent since 2018. These images often use the likenesses of ordinary teenage girls, celebrities, and political figures. The disturbing reality is that these images are often used to extort money, incite shame, or fulfill private fantasies.

The Legal Conundrum

Victims of this violation have little legal recourse. There is no federal law governing deepfake adult images, and only a few states have enacted regulations. Even when victims request companies to remove such photos and videos, the task proves challenging because AI draws from numerous images in a data set to create a fake picture. This makes it harder for victims to claim that the content is derived solely from their likeness.

The Impact on Women and Teens

A study by Sensity AI found that 96 percent of deepfake images are adult images, and 99 percent of those photos target women. The advent of these AI-generated images poses a significant risk for women and teens, many of whom are entirely unprepared for such exposure. The distress caused by these images can leave lasting emotional scars and cause significant harm to their mental health.

The Need for Stringent Regulations

While some states have passed legislation targeting deepfakes, the scope of these laws varies, and in most cases, they do little for deepfake adult victims. There is an urgent need for more expansive safeguards and regulations to protect individuals from this form of violation. The responsibility also falls on tech companies to implement more robust protections and take proactive measures to prevent such content from appearing on their platforms.

Conclusion

The issue of AI-generated fake adult images highlights the darker side of technology. It underscores the urgent need for stringent laws, robust tech regulations, and greater awareness. As we continue to leverage AI for various applications, it is crucial to address its misuse effectively and ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals.