According to Cointelegraph: In response to the widespread dissemination of explicit deepfake images of singer Taylor Swift, U.S lawmakers are pressing for legislation to criminalize the creation of such images. These images have been featured extensively on various social media platforms, including X and Telegram.
U.S Representative Joe Morelle, reacting strongly against the spread of these images, described the situation as "appalling." Morelle brought attention to the legislation he authored, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which aims to define non-consensual deepfakes as a federal crime. He urged for immediate action on this crucial issue.
Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to alter or manipulate videos by changing individuals’ faces or bodies. Although no federal laws specifically target the sharing or creation of deepfake images, several lawmakers are working to address this burgeoning issue. Democratic Representative Yvette D Clarke stressed that this issue isn't new, as women have been victims of this technology for years; she also asserted that the creation of deepfakes has become more affordable and accessible due to advancements in AI.
X social media platform announced it was working actively to remove such images and taking necessary action against accounts responsible for their spread.
Last year, the UK declared sharing deepfake pornography illegal under its Online Safety Act. With the increasing accessibility of AI-generated content, the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasized potential negative outcomes of AI and related technology, including generative AI, on individuals and businesses in its 19th Global Risks Report. Similarly, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has voiced concerns about AI-driven disinformation campaigns online.
Given the escalating risk of online disinformation due to rapid technological advancements, a United Nations report has highlighted AI-generated media as a critical threat to information integrity. Deepfake technology, one of the major focus areas in the report, poses a significant challenge, especially on social media platforms.