SAG-AFTRA Slams Taylor Swift AI Images: ‘Must Be Made Illegal’

SAG-AFTRA, the actors’ union, condemned the circulation of pornographic AI images featuring Taylor Swift on social media. In a statement released on Friday, the union expressed its support for legislation that would outlaw the creation and dissemination of such images without consent. SAG-AFTRA characterized the images as “upsetting, harmful, and deeply concerning.”

Taking a Stand Against Deepfakes

SAG-AFTRA has long been advocating for legal action against the distribution of “deepfake” pornographic images that replicate someone’s likeness without permission. The union has emphasized the need for both state and federal laws to address this issue. The recent circulation of Swift’s AI-generated images on X (formerly known as Twitter) has brought the matter into the spotlight.

The White House Weighs In

During a White House press briefing, a reporter questioned whether President Biden supports legislation to ban AI-generated pornographic images. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, responded, stating the need for legislation to address this alarming issue.

Legislation in the Works

Last year, Representative Joe Morelle introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, which received praise from SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher. She emphasized that sexual abuse, whether physical or digital, should never be tolerated and should not pass as a form of personal expression.

SAG-AFTRA also supports the NO AI FRAUDS Act, which aims to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to distribute fake replicas of real people without their consent, regardless of whether the use is sexually explicit.

Protecting Actors’ Rights

AI was a central concern in the SAG-AFTRA strike last year. The union successfully negotiated contract provisions that require consent and payment for the use of AI to digitally replicate an actor’s performance. However, the contract did not prevent studios from using a combination of performances to create “synthetic” actors.

Solidarity with Taylor Swift and Victims Everywhere

SAG-AFTRA expressed its solidarity with Taylor Swift and all women who fall victim to privacy violations and the infringement of their autonomy. The union’s statement emphasized the importance of supporting those affected by these acts of theft.

For more information, read the full article on F5mag.com.

Source: Variety