X Takes Action Against Taylor Swift AI Scandal.

In response to the widespread circulation of sexually explicit artificial intelligence (AI)-generated images of pop musician Taylor Swift on the social media platform X, the platform has implemented measures to temporarily block searches related to the artist's name.

As of the latest update, searches for terms such as "Taylor Swift," "Taylor Swift AI," or "AI Taylor Swift" yield no search results on the platform.

This decision comes following the proliferation of fake images of the artist circulating online, with a significant portion containing sexually explicit themes, causing widespread concern.

Instagram, another image and video-sharing social media platform, seems to have adopted similar measures by adding disclaimers to searches for "Taylor Swift AI."

Swift is reportedly contemplating legal action against the deepfake site responsible for publishing the explicit images. United States Representative Joseph Morelle addressed the issue on Jan. 27, calling for legislative measures to criminalize the production of deepfakes. Morelle had previously introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act in May 2023, aiming to make non-consensual deepfakes a federal offense, urging swift action on the matter.

In October 2023, U.S. senators proposed a bill targeting makers of AI-generated deepfakes in general, not just those featuring sexually explicit or intimate content.

Celebrities across various industries have increasingly spoken out against deepfakes over the past year. Data from SumSub reveals a tenfold increase in deepfakes globally across all sectors from 2022 to 2023. Notable figures such as actor Tom Hanks, YouTuber MrBeast, and broadcast journalist Gayle King have fallen victim to viral AI-generated deepfakes endorsing products they did not actually support.

Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy, reported actively removing nearly 80 deepfake videos of himself daily as of Jan. 15.

As concerns surrounding deepfake technology grow, the push for legal measures to curb its misuse intensifies, with notable figures and lawmakers advocating for comprehensive legislation to address the broader implications of AI-generated content.