White House alarmed by explicit AI Taylor Swift images, urges action

TLDR:

• The White House has condemned the circulation of explicit AI-generated images of Taylor Swift.
• Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the images “alarming” and urged Congress to take legislative action.
• The White House believes that social media companies have a role to play in preventing the spread of non-consensual, intimate imagery.
• The White House has previously launched a task force and helpline to address online harassment and abuse.
• The SAG-AFTRA actors union also denounced the images, calling for legislation to make it illegal.

The White House has spoken out against the circulation of explicit AI-generated images of celebrity Taylor Swift and called for legislative action. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre labeled the images “alarming” and stated that while social media companies have the power to manage content, they also have a responsibility to prevent the spread of non-consensual, intimate imagery. The White House believes that lax enforcement of non-consensual pornographic imagery disproportionately affects women and girls, who are often the targets of online harassment and abuse. The Biden-Harris administration has prioritized addressing this issue, launching a task force and the first national helpline for survivors of image-based sexual abuse.

When asked if there should be legislation to combat AI-generated imagery, Jean-Pierre responded affirmatively and stated that Congress should take legislative action. The SAG-AFTRA actors union also condemned the false images of Swift and called for legislation to make the creation and dissemination of such images without consent illegal. They expressed support for Congressman Joe Morelle’s Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act.