Viral AI fakes of Taylor Swift are putting the spotlight on deepfake porn.

The Rise of Deepfake Porn

The Story

Viral AI fakes of Taylor Swift are putting the spotlight on deepfake porn.

What is deepfake porn?

Exactly what it sounds like. In recent years, dozens of websites have reportedly grown to host more than 200,000 nonconsensual deepfake porn videos using people’s images. It’s an issue that’s only accelerated as AI continues to become more mainstream, with face-swapping and so-called undressing apps on the rise. Last year, deepfake porn videos reportedly reached an estimated 4.2 billion views. Researchers think the vast majority — over 90% — target women and are nonconsensual.

What can we do?

That’s the question. A handful of states — including California, New York, Virginia, and Minnesota — have laws against the distribution of deepfakes or give victims the right to file civil suits. But there’s currently no federal law banning deepfake porn, something some senators are trying to change. It’s far from the only sexually exploitative issue online: the FBI last week warned that sextortion is on the rise. With revenge porn and AI’s tendency toward racism and sexism, many experts say there's reason to be concerned.

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Social media leaders and lawmakers are playing catch up with emerging tech. In the meantime, if one of the world’s most influential figures can’t protect her digital image, it leaves many wondering: what hope is there for everyone else?

What people are talking about…

Alabama. Yesterday, it became the first state in the country to carry out an execution using nitrogen gas. Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was convicted in 1989 for the murder-for-hire of Elizabeth Sennett, died 22 minutes after breathing in pure nitrogen gas through a mask. His death comes after the Supreme Court denied two requests to stop the execution, with Smith’s lawyers arguing it could violate the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment. Alabama is one of three states that's approved nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method, as some states face a national shortage of lethal injections. In a final statement, Smith said Alabama caused “humanity to take a step backwards.” Sennett's son reportedly said Smith had “to pay for what he’s done.”

What’s expected to issue a ruling…

The International Court of Justice. Today, the UN’s top court will respond to South Africa’s demand for Israel to “immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.” Earlier this month, South Africa also accused Israel of committing genocide, an accusation Israel rejects as “grossly distorted.” The ICJ’s response will not include a verdict on South Africa’s accusation of genocide — this part of the case could take years. While the court’s rulings are binding, it has no power to enforce them.

What may not be the norm for many parents…

Being empty nesters. A new report found that more than half of adults between 18 and 24 live with a parent. That's as 59% of parents said they've helped foot the bill on some of their adult children's expenses. It comes as many young adults are carrying student loan debt and dealing with a high-cost of living.

...Oh and speaking of the economy, it beat expectations, growing by 3.3% in Q4. On the up and up.

What ended its mission…

Ingenuity. Yesterday, NASA said the little helicopter on Mars can no longer fly after suffering damage to its rotor blades. In 2021, Ingenuity became the first aircraft to make a powered, controlled flight on a different planet. It carried out 72 flights on Mars in nearly three years.

Who's got people looking up lyrics...

Megan Thee Stallion and Ice Spice.

While JLo could be asking ‘can we fix it?’...

Sofia Richie Grainge is expecting a special delivery.

Who might be the next skincare influencer…

Michael Cera.  

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