From Taylor Swift to politicians, AI Poses Serious Threats For Us All

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CATHERINE HUGHES: In late January, sexually explicit images of Taylor Swift went viral on X. The images, likely made on Microsoft Designer, prompted X to suspend the ability to search Swift’s name on the app temporarily 

This is not the first time Taylor Swift, or any other celebrity, has dealt with inappropriate manufactured pictures of them being spread. For as long as the internet and photo editing has been available, people have been creating pictures and videos of celebrities in imagined situations. They usually do this by superimposing a public figure's head onto other images. But with the help of more advanced technology, like AI, more realistic, and often more insidious, content can be produced.

This is extremely worrisome for politicians, whose false images can be used to circulate misinformation. Think the Biden robocall in New Hampshire that discouraged voters from going to the polls. With such personal stakes in regulating AI, it’s no surprise that politicians have been trying to control it, but often fall behind the ever-improving technology.

Some states have made preliminary moves to curb the negative effects of AI. Twelve have made laws delegating research responsibilities to organizations to increase knowledge that will hopefully lead to policy creation. The main areas of concern include data privacy, discrimination in hiring practices, and, of course, deepfakes and deceptive media.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed an executive order about AI and its effects on the workforce, education, and vulnerable populations. California also released a report on AI risks. Policy regarding data privacy focuses on the use of automated processing systems, algorithms, and AI. Other states have found that AI hiring applications contribute to discriminatory practices, and states are hoping to end this. But again, states’ paramount concern is deceptive media and deepfakes.

However, in regards to deepfake porn, like what Taylor Swift experienced, only 10 states have laws against it. Most were created in the last year and have varying degrees of punishment. Many believe the federal government needs to pass more legislation regarding deepfake porn and other AI issues mentioned.

The issue of deepfake pornagraphy is currently being addressed in two separate, bipartsan bills: one Senate, one House. The Senate bill (S. 3696) is sponsored by Senator Dick Durbin and co-sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, and Amy Klobuchar. The bill would allow victims of these explicit digital forgeries to seek civil penalties against the producers and distributors of the content. 

The House bill (H.R. 6943) is sponsored by Representative María Elvira Salazar and co-sponsored by eight bipartisan representatives. The bill aims to protect Americans’ likeness and voice against AI fakes and forgeries, while balancing First Amendment’s protection of speech and innovation. However, the bill has been met with pushback from the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

The EFF has two main criticisms of the bill. First, they believe that it applies to too broad a range of digital content. They imply that the bill could threaten media like docudramas, parodies, and political cartoons. Second, they believe the bill limits the First Amendment. They say that it wrongly puts courts in a position where they must balance free speech and intellectual property.

X’s solution to the spread of deepfake porn was to block Taylor Swift’s name. It was a less than adequate solution at the time. For people, especially women, without Taylor Swift’s reach and influence, there is no solution. X does not have the resources to respond quickly enough to this type of cyber sexual harassment.

Politicians, especially at the federal level, must continue working to make effective AI policy. Not only does it protect themselves against damaging misinformation, which is deadly this close to the 2024 elections, but it also protects their constituents. For the average person, this type of scandal isn’t always a rallying point, it’s life-altering.

Catherine Hughes is a staff writer for On the Record. She is a freshman studying International Politics in the School of Foreign Service.