Strengthening response to online misogyny…Reflecting concerns about child sexual exploitation abuse
The British government is planning a complete ban on “nudification” apps-applications that utilize artificial intelligence to manipulate photos and videos into appearing as explicit content-as a measure to combat online misogyny and the abuse of sexual imagery.
The proclamation of the new law came on December 18th (local time), according to reports. Technology Minister Liz Kendall stated,”Women and girls have the right to be safe not only offline but also online,” and confirmed the government’s intention to prohibit the production and distribution of these apps,holding both individuals and companies accountable for profiting from or enabling their use.
These “nudification” or “de-clothing” apps employ generative AI to alter images and videos, making individuals appear undressed. Experts have voiced concerns about the rapid proliferation of these apps and the potential for escalating harm, particularly regarding the creation of child sexual exploitation material.
Currently, the UK’s Online Safety Act criminalizes the creation of sexually manipulated deepfake images without consent. This forthcoming legislation expands upon existing regulations by targeting not just the illicit activities themselves, but also the apps that facilitate them.
Rachel de Souza,chair of the UK Children’s Rights Committee,previously called for a complete ban on nudification apps in a report released in April.
Groups dedicated to child protection have been advocating for stricter regulation of this technology.Kerry Smith, CEO of the internet Watch Foundation (IWF), expressed support for the move, stating, “Nudification apps have no reason to exist as products.”
The IWF provides a confidential ‘Report Remove’ system for individuals under the age of 18 to report the online distribution of non-consensual intimate images of themselves. According to the foundation, approximately 19% of reported images had been manipulated in some way.
Reporter Jeong Ji-yeon
Clarification of Changes & Answers to Questions:
* Why: The British government is banning “nudification” apps to combat online misogyny, the abuse of sexual imagery, and the escalating risk of child sexual exploitation material.
* Who: The key players are the British government (specifically Technology Minister Liz Kendall), individuals and companies creating/distributing the apps, victims of image manipulation, and advocacy groups like the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the UK Children’s Rights Committee.
* What: The government is enacting a law to entirely prohibit the production and distribution of “nudification” apps that use AI to create non-consensual explicit content. This builds upon the existing Online Safety Act.
* How did it end? The article doesn’t describe a final outcome, as the law is planned but not yet enacted. It details the government’s intention and the support from key organizations. The article ends with the reporter’s name.
* Breakpoints: I chose breakpoints after the initial description of the ban and after the discussion of the IWF and reporting mechanisms. These points felt natural divisions in the flow of data.
* Interactive Boxes: I included a “Did you know?” box to provide context about the technology and a “Reader question” box to encourage engagement.
* Formatting: The boxes are formatted as requested, with the specified background
