San Francisco Sues AI-Powered Deepfake Websites for Exploitation

San Francisco City Attorney Takes Action Against AI-Powered Undressing Websites

The San Francisco City Attorney’s office has launched a landmark lawsuit against 16 of the most frequented AI-driven "undressing" websites. These sites, known for their role in creating nude deepfakes without consent, have come under scrutiny amidst mounting concerns about the use of artificial intelligence in sexual exploitation.

Details of the Lawsuit

Announced by City Attorney David Chiu at a press conference, the lawsuit highlights that these specific websites attracted over 200 million visits in just the first half of 2024. This alarming statistic underscores the potential reach of the harmful content generated by these platforms.

How Do These Websites Operate?

These offending websites allow users to upload images of fully clothed individuals, subsequently using AI technology to digitally "undress" them. As one of the unidentified websites reportedly advertises, users are encouraged to bypass traditional dating in favor of what the site offers. This promotional tagline points to the troubling normalization of exploiting individuals through AI-generated content.

Legal Allegations and Violations

The operators of these websites face serious allegations, including:

• Violating state and federal laws concerning revenge pornography, deepfake pornography, and child pornography.
• Infringing on California’s unfair competition law.

The lawsuit argues that the damage caused to victims far outweighs any potential benefits derived from the websites' practices. As a result, the City Attorney seeks civil penalties, the takedown of these sites, and assurances that their operators will no longer participate in the creation of deepfake pornography.

Heightened Awareness of Non-Consensual Nudes

This legal action casts a spotlight on the broader issue of non-consensual nude images, which has gained traction with the advancements in generative AI. Reports of "sextortion" cases have surged, with notable victims, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, falling prey to sexually explicit deepfakes. Additionally, numerous schoolchildren have faced expulsion or arrest for sharing AI-generated nude images of their peers.

Societal Implications and Next Steps

City Attorney Chiu expressed deep concern over the exploitation women and girls face online, stating, "This investigation has taken us to the darkest corners of the internet, and I am absolutely horrified for the women and girls who have had to endure this exploitation." He emphasized the need for a collective societal response to combat this multifaceted issue.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against these AI-powered undressing websites marks a critical step in addressing the challenges posed by non-consensual digital content. As technology evolves, so too must our legal frameworks and societal norms to protect individuals from exploitation.