In response to the emergence of fabricated, sexually explicit images featuring Taylor Swift, purportedly generated by artificial intelligence software, SAG-AFTRA has advocated for the enactment of laws that criminalize the creation and dissemination of such content.
Expressing their dismay over the sexually explicit AI-generated images depicting Taylor Swift, SAG-AFTRA issued a statement on Friday denouncing the upsetting and deeply concerning nature of these fake images.
The guild emphasized the necessity of making the development and circulation of counterfeit images, particularly those of a lewd nature, illegal. In the statement, SAG-AFTRA asserted that, as a society, we possess the capability to regulate these technologies, urging immediate action before it becomes too late.
SAG-AFTRA Advocates for Legal Action Against AI Likeness Theft Following the Distribution of Faux Sexually Explicit Taylor Swift Images (Credits: Rolling Stone)
The guild expressed ongoing support for Congressman Joe Morelle’s legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, as a crucial measure to prevent the recurrence of such exploitative incidents. SAG-AFTRA reiterated their solidarity with Taylor Swift and all women who become victims of privacy infringement and the violation of their autonomy.
The illicit images began surfacing online during the week and gained widespread circulation across various social media platforms, including the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Due to the site’s lax content and moderation standards under owner Elon Musk, one account featuring the fake images garnered over 40 million views before it was eventually suspended.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed the matter earlier on Friday, expressing alarm over the circulation of false images. While acknowledging the independence of social media companies in managing content, Jean-Pierre stressed their crucial role in enforcing rules to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and non-consensual, intimate imagery.
She highlighted the Biden-Harris administration’s dedication to addressing the longstanding issue, emphasizing their serious approach by launching a task force to combat online harassment and abuse. Furthermore, she highlighted the Department of Justice’s initiation of the first national 24/7 helpline for survivors of image-based sexual abuse.
Jean-Pierre concurred that legislation is essential to address the issue, aligning with the actions already taken by President Biden and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle the alarming problem at hand.
