In today’s onlife world, where technology is advancing rapidly, it’s important to be mindful of how our personal information, including images, can be accessed and potentially misused. With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), there’s a growing concern about the misuse of non-consensual intimate images (nudes) that are being generated by these systems. In fact, here in Canada, we have now had 3 cases that we are aware of where teens have used and weaponized AI nude generators to target teen girls at their school. We have been racking our brains in an attempt to identify countermeasures to this newest threat, and we must admit, it was a challenge to do so – there are no foolproof solutions that we are aware of or that we could find. However, to safeguard your privacy, especially when it comes to sharing photos or videos online, here are “some” tips that may help to reduce the risk:
- Making it harder for AI to capture your personal picture involves introducing elements that confuse or obfuscate its algorithms. This can include applying slight blurs, uploading images in low resolution, or adding filters that overlay the picture. These techniques can help obscure facial features, making it more difficult for AI to accurately create these AI-generated non-consensual intimate images.
- Minimize full frontal head-to-toe body shots. If you are going to take such a picture, make sure that you angle your body – this can make it harder for the algorithm to create an AI-generated non-consensual intimate image.
- When taking photos or videos, consider capturing moments where you are not looking directly at the camera is strongly recommended. This simple step adds an extra layer of protection against potential misuse of images. By avoiding direct eye contact, it becomes more challenging for AI to create detailed facial reconstructions.
- Lastly, if you know there is a student using and weaponizing AI technology to create AI-generated non-consensual intimate images of a teen, immediately bring it to the attention of a trusted adult or law enforcement. Creating such images of a teen under the age of 18 would be considered the production of child sexual abuse material under the Criminal Code of Canada.
While these techniques can help enhance privacy and mitigate the risk of AI misuse, it’s important to recognize that they are not foolproof. AI technology continues to evolve, and there may be advancements that can bypass these countermeasures. Therefore, it’s essential to remain vigilant and mindful of the information shared online.
Don’t forget to take advantage of privacy settings available on social media platforms and other online services. Adjusting privacy settings can help control who can view and access your personal information, including photos and videos that they can screen capture, to only those who you know, love, or trust. Regularly review and update these settings to ensure maximum protection of your privacy is important.
While it’s important to leverage techniques to make personal pictures harder for AI to capture, it’s essential to recognize that these measures are not a panacea. By staying informed, practicing caution, and taking proactive steps to protect your privacy online, you can help minimize the risk of your personal pictures and videos falling into the wrong hands for the wrong reasons.
Digital Food For Thought
The White Hatter
