Civil Society Groups Demand Action Against AI-Driven Sexist Disinformation on Social Media

Civil Society Organizations Call for Stronger AI Policies

In a significant move to combat AI-driven sexist disinformation, more than two dozen international civil society organizations are set to release an open letter addressing major tech companies. The letter, scheduled for public release on Friday, calls on the chief executives of Meta, X, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit to bolster their AI policies 1

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Rising Concerns Over AI-Generated Content

The initiative comes in response to a surge in non-consensual deepfake pornography and AI-enabled harassment on social media platforms. These issues have been exacerbated by the widespread availability of cheap AI tools. The letter emphasizes that the adverse impacts of AI-based content are disproportionately affecting women, transgender individuals, and non-binary people 1

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Key Recommendations for Tech Giants

The coalition of 27 digital and human rights organizations, including UltraViolet, GLAAD, the National Organization for Women, and MyOwn Image, has put forth a dozen recommendations to strengthen AI policies. These include:

1. Clearly defining consequences for posting non-consensual explicit material, including suspension of repeat offenders
2. Implementing third-party tools to detect AI-generated visuals
3. Clear labeling of AI-generated content
4. Establishing coherent procedures for users to flag and report harmful content
5. Conducting comprehensive annual audits of AI policies 1

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Impact on Elections and Public Figures

The timing of this letter is crucial, coming just a month before what is being called America's first AI election on November 5. The upcoming election has already seen a surge in disinformation, with Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris being a particular target of gendered disinformation campaigns 1

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Broader Implications of AI-Generated Content

Experts warn that the proliferation of non-consensual deepfakes is outpacing global regulatory efforts. While celebrities like Taylor Swift and Emma Watson have been victims of deepfake porn, women not in the public eye are equally vulnerable. Jenna Sherman, campaign director at UltraViolet, stated, "These harms silence us online, violate our right to control our own image, and distort our elections" 1

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Call for Immediate Action

Leanna Garfield, social media safety program manager at GLAAD, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "The world's largest platforms have shown they are not equipped to handle the rise of AI-facilitated hate, harassment, and disinformation campaigns, including deepfakes and bots that can spew hate-based imagery at massive scale" 1

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As of now, the platforms have not responded to requests for comment ahead of the letter's release. The civil society groups stress the need for concrete action to ensure online safety for all users, particularly those most vulnerable to AI-driven harassment and disinformation 1

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