How To Be Safe In The AI Era
Last Updated on: 4th June 2024, 12:45 pm
Over the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressed at an unprecedented pace. With its vast capabilities, AI offers numerous benefits to society, ranging from advancements in healthcare to innovations in the automotive industry. However, its rapid progression has brought forth various challenges, especially concerning privacy and security.
As we move forward into the digital era, it is becoming increasingly important to recognize the potential dangers and ensure that AI technologies are used ethically and responsibly.
Recent events in the Spanish town of Almendralejo have shed light on one of the most alarming manifestations of these challenges: the creation and distribution of AI-generated nude images of minors without their consent. Such incidents, while deeply troubling, serve as stark reminders of the very real and immediate threats posed by the misuse of AI technologies.
Almendralejo Incident: The Disturbing Case of AI-Generated Images
In the quiet town of Almendralejo, Spain, known for its olives and red wine, the community was thrown into turmoil by the emergence of a deeply troubling issue. Local girls, as young as 11, discovered nude images of themselves circulating on social media platforms, created without their consent. Here’s a breakdown of the events:
- Unconsented Manipulation: The AI-generated images were crafted by processing fully clothed photos of these young girls, many sourced directly from their personal social media profiles. A seemingly innocent photo could, with the help of AI, be transformed into an explicit image.
- Extent of Harm: Over 20 young girls between the ages of 11 and 17 became victims of this AI-driven manipulation. The emotional toll on these girls varied, with some being so deeply affected that they refrained from leaving their homes.
- Suspects and Investigation: Police investigations have led to the identification of at least 11 local boys, aged between 12 and 14, suspected of creating or distributing these malicious images. These suspects allegedly used apps like WhatsApp and Telegram for their nefarious activities. Additionally, some victims were even subjected to extortion attempts using these manipulated images.
- Larger Implications: While the incident in Almendralejo has gained significant attention, it isn’t isolated. There have been similar reports of AI-generated images, including a notable case involving the Spanish singer, Rosalía. These events underscore the alarming and growing capability of such technology, especially in the realm of child protection.
This case in Almendralejo has not only shocked the local community but has also highlighted the urgent need for robust measures, both technical and legal, to safeguard individuals, particularly minors, from the unintended consequences of AI advancements.
The Dark Side of AI: A Look into Deepfake Technology
Deepfake technology, powered by AI’s deep learning capabilities, has the ability to create incredibly realistic but entirely fake content. While initially it was seen as a revolutionary tool for film production, gaming, and even education, its misuse, especially in creating non-consensual explicit imagery, has raised alarm bells globally. The Almendralejo incident is a recent example, but the phenomenon isn’t isolated.
Historical Perspective on Deepfake Threats
Deepfakes first gained notoriety when former U.S. President Barack Obama warned about their potential threats to democracy in 2019. Around the same time, an app named DeepNude, which bore similarities to the app used in the Spanish town incident, was taken offline due to concerns of misuse.
Sexual Objectification and Deepfakes
An alarming trend that emerges with deepfake technology is its predominant usage in involuntary sexual objectification. Sensity AI’s research in 2019 revealed that a significant majority of deepfakes online are non-consensual pornographic content, with a large portion targeting women.
According to Deeptrace, the number of fake videos known as deepfakes almost doubled in the seven months until July 2019. It went up to 14,678. This increase happened because more tools and services became available, making it easier for regular people to create deepfakes.
This grim statistic underlines the pressing need for robust countermeasures against this facet of AI misuse.
The Role of Big Tech
Major tech players, such as Google, Amazon, X (formerly Twitter), and Microsoft, have inadvertently played a role in the proliferation of deepfake porn through their platforms and services. While these companies have policies against non-consensual imagery, the rapidly evolving technology makes it challenging to keep pace with perpetrators.
Former Google fraud czar Shuman Ghosemajumder has called deepfakes an area of "societal concern" and said that they will inevitably evolve to a point at which they can be generated automatically, and an individual could use that technology to produce millions of deepfake videos.
If you ever discover that your photos have been manipulated without your consent, especially in a harmful or misleading manner, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice:
- Using StopNCII Services: StopNCII.org is a dedicated service aimed at combating non-consensual intimate image alterations. If someone has manipulated your photo using AI or Photoshop to create a misleading or inappropriate version:
- Visit StopNCII.org.
- Submit both the original and the edited photo.
- The platform will endeavor to remove the manipulated photo from various places on the Internet. The service ensures confidentiality; you don’t need to communicate directly with anyone, and your identity remains protected.
- Informing Cyber Security Authorities: In the unfortunate event that such manipulated images of you become viral or are being distributed without your consent:
- Immediately reach out to the cyber security team or relevant authorities in your country.
- File a formal case or report detailing the misuse of your images.
- Collaborate with them to take swift action against the perpetrators.
Remember, these unauthorized manipulations are not just unethical but, in many jurisdictions, illegal. Always prioritize your safety and mental well-being, and seek legal counsel when necessary.
In response to rising concerns about the misuse of AI technologies, as highlighted by incidents like Almendralejo, there’s an increasing emphasis on proactive measures. These measures can be categorized as technical, societal, and personal.
Technical Measures to Stay Safe:
1. AI Detectors
One of the most promising counters to malicious AI-generated content is developing AI detectors. These are AI systems specifically trained to identify deepfakes or other artificially generated content, helping flag and remove them before they can cause harm.
MIT researchers have developed a new tool called “PhotoGuard” that can help protect images from AI manipulation. This highlights the need for collaborative efforts between model developers, social media platforms, and policymakers to defend against the unauthorized use of AI tools and ensure data security.
2. Data Encryption
In this digital age, personal data is a treasure trove. Encrypting this data ensures that even if someone unauthorized accesses the data, they can’t comprehend or misuse it.
Societal Measures:
1. Legislation and Regulation
To ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI, we need stronger regulations and laws. This would mandate tech companies to operate within ethical boundaries, thereby safeguarding user interests.
According to a report by CSIS, the recent acceleration in AI adoption presents at least four major risks that could severely undermine both news availability and public access to information in the long term. This highlights the need for stronger regulations and laws to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI, safeguarding user interests.
2. Awareness Campaigns
Knowledge is power. Conducting public awareness campaigns on the risks associated with AI-generated content can prepare people to approach such content with skepticism.
3. Platforms’ Responsibility
Social media platforms and other online portals play a vital role. They should incorporate AI detectors and have stringent policies against manipulated content to safeguard their user base.
Personal Measures:
1. Profile Privacy Settings:
Ensure that your social media profiles are set to ‘Private.’ This means that only approved followers or friends can see your content. While it’s not a foolproof measure, it does add a layer of security.
2. Awareness and Reporting:
Stay aware of the latest threats and vulnerabilities. If you ever come across deepfakes or manipulated content featuring you or someone you know, report it immediately to the platform and, if necessary, law enforcement.
3. Routine Privacy Checkups:
Platforms occasionally update their terms of service or privacy settings. Make it a habit to periodically check and ensure that your desired privacy settings are still in place.
Often, our photos are shared not just by us, but by our friends and family. Educate them about the risks and ask them to be judicious about what they post, especially when it involves group photos or events.
5. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Always enable 2FA on all your social media accounts and email. This provides an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if someone has your password, they can’t easily access your account.
6. Strong, Unique Passwords:
Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like birthdays, names, or “password123”. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
7. Be Wary of Third-party Apps:
Sometimes, we grant permissions to third-party apps without realizing the extent of access they have. Regularly review and revoke access to apps that you no longer use or trust.
8. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions:
Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure. If you must use one, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data traffic.
9. Monitor Tagged Photos:
Ensure you review any content you’re tagged in. If you’re tagged in a photo or post that you’re uncomfortable with, untag yourself and consider discussing it with the person who posted it.
10. Secure Your Mobile Device:
Since mobile devices are often the primary means of accessing social media, ensure it’s protected with a strong passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Install reputable security software that can protect against malware and phishing attacks.
11. Beware of Phishing:
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages or friend requests, especially if they contain links or ask for personal information. Phishers often masquerade as a known entity to steal your credentials.
12. Google Yourself:
Periodically search for your name on search engines. This can help you understand what information about you is publicly accessible and take necessary actions if you find something inappropriate.
13. Limit Profile Details:
Rethink the need to share your phone number, address, or workplace on public profiles. The less personal information available, the lower the risk.
14. Data Download Requests:
Most platforms now allow users to request a download of all the data the platform has on them. This can give you an idea of how much of your information is stored and can be a good starting point for deciding what to delete.
15. Educate Yourself:
The world of online security is ever-evolving. Make an effort to stay updated on the latest security threats and measures. Join forums, follow tech news, or enroll in basic cybersecurity courses.
Remember, while these steps significantly enhance security, no measure guarantees complete safety. The key is to be vigilant, proactive, and continuously educated about the evolving digital landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, while we can’t eliminate all risks associated with AI’s misuse, especially given the open nature of social media platforms, we can certainly adopt a series of measures to mitigate potential harm. It’s about striking a balance between enjoying the benefits of the digital age and protecting oneself from its inherent vulnerabilities.
Deepfake technology is a double-edged sword. On one side, it promises advancements in various fields, while on the other, it has the potential to cause irrevocable harm when misused. As AI continues to evolve, a global effort involving tech companies, governments, and civil society is crucial to ensure the ethical usage of such powerful tools.
