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In a statement released Friday, SAG-AFTRA deplored the AI-generated graphic image of Taylor Swift that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) this week, calling its content “upsetting, harmful, and deeply disturbing.” “It’s a thing,” he said.
The union said: “The development and distribution of fake images, especially those of an obscene nature, without someone’s consent must be made illegal,” while also combating this practice with intimate images of MP Joe Morell. He also called for support for the Deepfake Prevention Act. “As a society, we have the power to control these technologies, but we must act now before it is too late. We support women everywhere who are victims of theft.”
These images sparked an important discussion online and on Capitol Hill this week about the need for more protections against artificial intelligence and moderation of content. One of the tweets, which included an explicit AI-generated image of the pop star, remained on the platform for about 17 hours and garnered 45 million views before it was finally deleted.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked about the incident at a press conference on Friday and called the images “alarming.” Jean-Pierre called on social media companies to more strongly enforce their content moderation policies, and she said Congress needed to take action to pass protections.
“We are alarmed by reports that the images you laid out, more precisely false images, have been circulated,” Jean-Pierre said. “While social media companies make their own independent decisions about content moderation, we believe they have an important role to play in enforcing their own rules to prevent the spread of misinformation. Of course, Congress We should take legislative action. That’s how we address some of the problems.”
Swift is not the only woman, famous or not, to have explicit AI-generated images of herself shown to her without her permission.as rolling stone It was reported this week that Swifties have been vocal about the need for more protection to prevent this, but such measures likely won’t come easily.
AI deepfake porn is one of the more alarming uses of the technology that has hit high-profile entertainment figures, but the technology is also being used to create new material without artists’ permission. For example, George Carlin’s estate filed a lawsuit this week alleging that his work was used without permission in the production of a new comedy special. AI Drake and the Weeknd’s song “Heart on My Sleeve” caused quite a stir last year as well, with UMG pressuring streaming platforms to remove infringing content using AI.
AI was one of the key bargaining points during SAG’s strike last year, and the union also said it was the world’s most powerful music and entertainment group, aiming to prioritize human creativity and ensure the capabilities of AI. He also supported the Human Artistry Campaign, an initiative by several of the Don’t outsource your art.
