After AI-generated explicit images of young female students circulated at a New Jersey high school, a mother and her 14-year-old daughter are advocating for enhanced protections for victims.
Investigations are underway regarding a teenage boy in Seattle, Washington, who allegedly utilized artificial intelligence to create and distribute similar images of students, including young girls, from a high school across the country.
These alarming incidents have once again highlighted the proliferation of harmful AI-generated content targeting women and children, with a significant increase in deepfake videos. An analysis by researcher Genevieve Oh revealed over 143,000 new deepfake videos posted online this year, surpassing previous years combined.
Efforts are being made to urge lawmakers to establish robust safeguards for victims whose images are manipulated using new AI technologies or through various apps and websites. Advocates and legal experts are pushing for national regulations to ensure consistent protection nationwide and send a clear message to potential offenders.
In response to these challenges, there have been calls for legislative action to address the misuse of AI technology, particularly in cases of nonconsensual deepfake creation. Several states, including Texas, Minnesota, and New York, have recently passed laws criminalizing nonconsensual algorithmic videos. Efforts are underway in other states, like New Jersey, to introduce similar legislation imposing penalties on offenders.
State Senator Kristin Corrado introduced a bill to outlaw algorithmic videos, motivated by concerns about individuals using such technology to circumvent existing laws. The issue has gained attention following incidents like the one in Westfield, prompting legislative action to combat this form of abuse.
The incident at Westwood High School, where female students’ images were used to create nude deepfakes, underscores the need for stricter measures to address such misconduct. The school authorities and law enforcement are investigating the matter to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
Similarly, a case in Washington state is under investigation, emphasizing the broader challenge of combating AI-generated content used for illicit purposes, including child exploitation. Efforts to prosecute such offenses require a coordinated approach at both the state and federal levels to provide comprehensive protection for all victims.
Advocates like Mary Anne Franks emphasize the importance of federal legislation to address the growing threat of deepfakes and hold accountable those who profit from creating and distributing such content. President Joe Biden’s executive order and proposed bills aim to tackle this issue by prohibiting the misuse of AI technology and establishing guidelines for identifying AI-generated content.
As discussions continue on the best legal and regulatory approaches to combat deepfakes, stakeholders stress the need for careful consideration to avoid infringing on constitutional rights. Organizations like the ACLU and EFF highlight the importance of balancing legal measures with free speech protections while effectively addressing the harms caused by deepfake technology.
In the midst of these challenges, individuals like Dorota Mani and her daughter are actively advocating for stronger protections and support for AI abuse victims. Their efforts, including engaging with legislators and raising awareness, aim to drive meaningful change and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to the necessary resources and protections.
