Artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniably advancing at a rapid pace, but has it become so out of control that it poses a growing threat to women’s safety? The answer is a resounding yes. Non-consensual deepfake porn, online sexual exploitation, and the normalization of violent imagery are on the rise, with AI opening up new ways to exploit and harass women in the digital realm.
The rise of AI technology has given birth to a new kind of thievery that preys on women’s bodily autonomy. While instances involving celebrities make headlines, the vast majority of victims, who cannot fight back like superstars or wait for the damage to subside, suffer real harm to their reputations, self-esteem, and privacy due to fake imagery.
It is crucial that lawmakers in both Washington, D.C. and the states step up and take action to protect women from the dark side of AI. While some progress has been made, questions remain as to whether these actions are happening fast enough and if they will be enforceable.
According to surveys conducted by the women-led dating and social networking app Bumble, one in three women have received unsolicited lewd images, and a study by the Pew Research Center discovered that 33% of women under 35 have experienced online sexual harassment. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need to address the issue.
Currently, there are no federal laws that specifically make it illegal to create or distribute deepfake pornography. However, legislators are starting to respond. Congressman Joseph Morelle introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which aims to criminalize the nonconsensual sharing of altered or deepfake intimate images online.
In the U.S. Senate, a bipartisan bill called the DEFIANCE Act is being proposed to prevent nonconsensual deepfake pornography. This legislation acts on a provision of the Violence Against Women Act’s recent reauthorization and would help prevent and prosecute cybercrimes.
States are also taking action, with practically all state legislatures working on AI-related legislation. Many of these bills specifically address the issue of deepfakes. At least 10 states, including Georgia, Hawaii, Texas, and Virginia, have already passed deepfake-related laws, and California and Illinois have given victims the right to sue.
Updating the rules and strengthening online regulations is imperative. The conversations happening among elected officials, government agencies, tech companies, and consumers today will have a lasting impact on people and society. We cannot afford to wait another decade to take the necessary steps to combat the culture of toxic masculinity, misogyny, and abuse fueled by AI.
As we grapple with the implications of AI, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of women in the digital space. By pushing for comprehensive legislation at the federal and state levels, we can protect women from the increasing threats posed by the dark side of AI.
Sources:
– Bumble: [www.bumble.com](www.bumble.com)
– Pew Research Center: [www.pewresearch.org](www.pewresearch.org)
– Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act: [www.congress.gov](www.congress.gov)
– DEFIANCE Act: [www.congress.gov](www.congress.gov)
FAQ:
Q: What is non-consensual deepfake porn?
A: Non-consensual deepfake porn refers to digitally manipulated explicit content that features someone’s likeness without their consent.
Q: How are women being exploited and abused online?
A: Women are targeted through deepfake porn, unsolicited lewd images, and online sexual harassment, which can have detrimental effects on their privacy, reputation, and self-esteem.
Q: Are there any federal laws addressing deepfake pornography?
A: Currently, there are no specific federal laws that make it illegal to create or distribute deepfake pornography, but there are legislative efforts underway to address this issue.
Q: How are states responding to the issue of deepfakes?
A: Many state legislatures have taken up AI-related legislation, with some states passing laws that specifically address deepfakes and provide avenues for legal recourse for victims.
Q: Why is it important to combat the dark side of AI?
A: AI technology, when misused, can perpetuate a culture of toxic masculinity, misogyny, and abuse. It poses a significant threat to women’s safety and well-being online and requires urgent action to protect them.
Definitions:
– Artificial intelligence (AI): Refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, and decision-making.
– Deepfake: Refers to the use of AI technology to create manipulated or synthetic media, such as videos or images, in which a person’s likeness is altered or superimposed onto another person’s body or face. This can be used to create fake explicit content without the person’s consent.
Related links:
– Bumble: link
– Pew Research Center: link
– Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act: link
– DEFIANCE Act: link
FAQ:
Q: What is non-consensual deepfake porn?
A: Non-consensual deepfake porn refers to digitally manipulated explicit content that features someone’s likeness without their consent.
Q: How are women being exploited and abused online?
A: Women are targeted through deepfake porn, unsolicited lewd images, and online sexual harassment, which can have detrimental effects on their privacy, reputation, and self-esteem.
Q: Are there any federal laws addressing deepfake pornography?
A: Currently, there are no specific federal laws that make it illegal to create or distribute deepfake pornography, but there are legislative efforts underway to address this issue.
Q: How are states responding to the issue of deepfakes?
A: Many state legislatures have taken up AI-related legislation, with some states passing laws that specifically address deepfakes and provide avenues for legal recourse for victims.
Q: Why is it important to combat the dark side of AI?
A: AI technology, when misused, can perpetuate a culture of toxic masculinity, misogyny, and abuse. It poses a significant threat to women’s safety and well-being online and requires urgent action to protect them.
The source of the article is from the blog guambia.com.uy