"Deepfake" Lawsuit Bonanza: Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Allow Victims to Sue Creators for Damages
In a move that’s been hailed as a major victory for victims of nonconsensual AI-generated pornography, the Senate has passed a bill that allows them to sue the creators of these explicit images for damages. The "Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits Act" (DEFIANCE Act) aims to put an end to the proliferation of "deepfakes" – fake videos and images created using AI that can be used to harass, blackmail, or exploit individuals.
But is this bill just a band-aid solution to a much deeper problem? Or is it a necessary step towards holding accountable those who would seek to exploit and harm others using this technology?
Under the bill, victims of nonconsensual deepfakes can receive up to $150,000 in damages, with the amount increasing to $250,000 if the incident was connected to actual or attempted sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. But some experts argue that this amount is woefully inadequate, and that the real problem lies in the lack of accountability and oversight in the AI industry.
"The DEFIANCE Act is a welcome step towards addressing the problem of nonconsensual deepfakes," said Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in a speech on the Senate floor. "But we must also acknowledge that this is just the tip of the iceberg. We need to pass more comprehensive legislation to address the root causes of this problem, and to hold accountable those who would seek to exploit and harm others using this technology."
But others argue that the bill is a dangerous overreach, and that it will stifle innovation and creativity in the AI industry. "This bill is a clear example of government overreach," said a spokesperson for the AI industry. "It’s a slippery slope towards censorship and regulation, and it will only serve to stifle innovation and creativity in the AI industry."
As the bill heads to the House for consideration, one thing is clear: the debate over nonconsensual deepfakes is far from over. Will the House pass the bill, or will it be met with opposition from those who argue that it’s a necessary step towards holding accountable those who would seek to exploit and harm others using this technology? Only time will tell.
Author: Kayitsi.com
