US senators introduce bill to criminalize AI-generated deepfake images
Bipartisan legislation aims to protect victims
In a united effort, a group of US senators has proposed a bill that seeks to criminalize the distribution of nonconsensual, sexualized images created using artificial intelligence (AI). The measure comes as a direct response to the recent surge in pornographic AI-generated images of renowned singer Taylor Swift circulating on social media platforms.
Combatting the proliferation of nonconsensual AI-generated images
The bill, titled the “Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act of 2024,” or the “Defiance Act,” introduces penalties for those involved in the production, possession, or distribution of AI-generated deepfake content. This includes individuals who shared or received deepfake images without the subject’s consent. The legislation allows the victims to pursue civil penalties against those responsible.
Addressing the harmful impact of AI deepfakes
Senator Dick Durbin, along with senators Lindsey Graham, Amy Klobuchar, and Josh Hawley, spearheaded the bill. Senator Durbin stated in a press release that although the images may be artificial, the harm caused to the victims is very real. The distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes has become a grave concern, prompting the need for legal action.
Rise of deepfake technology
Deepfakes, referring to AI-created images or videos of real individuals, have increasingly circulated across the internet. As the accessibility to deepfake technology widens, the creation of such content has proliferated. These AI-manipulated images range from superimposing individual faces onto other bodies to entirely fabricated compositions. The recent wave of explicit deepfake images featuring Taylor Swift originated from Microsoft Designer and was initially shared on the messaging app Telegram, according to 404 Media.
Protecting reputations and ensuring justice
Senator Hawley emphasized the significance of protecting individuals, both celebrities and ordinary Americans, from experiencing AI pornography. The bill aims to provide innocent people with the means to defend their reputation and hold those responsible accountable in a court of law.
Swifties step in to counteract the spread of deepfakes
Swifties, the devoted fans of Taylor Swift, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to combat the distribution of deepfake images. With the phrase “Taylor Swift AI” accompanied by clips of her genuine performances, fans flooded the platform with content aimed at stymieing the spread of explicit deepfakes. As the negative coverage intensified, X’s owner, Elon Musk, ultimately decided to restrict all searches related to Taylor Swift, taking steps to control the spread of these manipulated images. Musk recently downsized the team in charge of monitoring the platform’s content and ensuring responsible conduct.
