THIS tech giant seeks public opinion as AI-generated images of celebrities surface on internet

Meta, the parent company of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, faces a tough decision regarding AI-generated images portraying public figures. The company's Oversight Board is now turning to the public for input in two prominent cases concerning celebrities from India and the US.

A disturbing trend

In one instance, an AI-generated image of a nude woman, resembling a well-known public figure from India, surfaced on Instagram. This image was part of a concerning trend where accounts shared similar AI-created pictures of Indian women. Given that many users in India interacted with this content, where deepfakes are increasingly prevalent, Meta's Oversight Board felt the need to address the issue.

Government intervention

Despite previous directives from India's Ministry of Electronics and IT urging social media platforms to combat AI-generated fake content, such images continue to proliferate. Notable Indian actresses like Rashmika Mandanna and Priyanka Chopra Jonas have been targets of these fake images, spreading rapidly across platforms.

What was the Indian case?

In the Indian context, a user flagged the AI-generated content for its pornographic nature, but Meta's initial response was inadequate. The report was closed automatically without review, prompting the user to escalate the matter to the Oversight Board. Upon review, Meta acknowledged its error and removed the post, citing a violation of community standards against bullying and harassment.

Upholding IT rules

India's IT rules of 2021 mandate swift action by online platforms to remove explicit content upon complaint, within 24 hours. Despite this regulation, the proliferation of AI-generated fake content remains a challenge for platforms like Meta.

What are challenges in the US?

The second case under scrutiny involves an AI-generated obscene image of an American celebrity, shared within a Facebook group. Although this image violated Facebook's Community Standards and was promptly removed, Meta's Oversight Board is seeking public input on the matter.

Call for opinions

The Oversight Board has opened a 14-day window for public comments on the US case, ending on April 30th. While the celebrities affected by these AI-generated images remain unnamed, the public can contribute to the discourse surrounding this growing issue.

As Meta grapples with the complexities of content moderation and AI-generated imagery, the involvement of users and adherence to regulatory frameworks are crucial in shaping the future of social media platforms.