In late January 2024, sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake images of American musician Taylor Swift were proliferated on social media platforms 4chan and X (formerly Twitter).
Several artificial images of Swift of a sexual or violent nature were quickly spread,[1] with one post reported to have been seen over 47 million times before its eventual removal.
[3] Moreover, these images prompted responses from anti-sexual assault advocacy groups, US politicians, Swifties, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, among others, and it has been suggested that Swift's influence could result in new legislation regarding the creation of deepfake pornography.
Other internet users found them humorous and absurd, such as the image making it appear as though Swift was to engage in sexual intercourse with Oscar the Grouch.
"[11][12] The content also sparked race-relations debates with some questioning whether it was racist to be offended by deepfaked images where Swift is appearing ready for sexual acts with the entire Kansas City Chiefs, most of whom are African American.
"[13][14] White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed concern over the counterfeit images, deeming them "alarming", and emphasized the obligation of social media platforms to curb the dissemination of misinformation.
The bill would allow victims to sue individuals who produced or possessed "digital forgeries" with intent to distribute, or those who received the material knowing it was made without consent.