Major Update: Oversight Board Demands Stricter Rules on Explicit Deepfakes for Meta!

Online platforms like Meta face a constant battle against the proliferation of sexually explicit deepfakes. The Oversight Board has recently called on Meta to revise its regulations around these fake, AI-generated images in light of two controversial cases involving public figures.

1. Recommendations from the Oversight Board:
   • The Oversight Board recommended that Meta update its rules regarding sexually explicit deepfakes.
   • The board suggested that Meta’s current language around these rules is outdated and may hinder users in reporting AI-generated explicit images.

In one instance, a nude Indian woman was the subject of a deepfake posted on Instagram. Despite being reported, the post was automatically closed by Meta within 48 hours, prompting a user appeal. The Oversight Board intervened, leading Meta to take down the post, contrary to its initial decision to leave it up. Another case involved an AI-generated image of a nude woman being groped by a man, which was automatically removed by Meta thanks to an internal system.

1. Concerns Highlighted by the Oversight Board:
   • The Oversight Board noted that Meta’s current policies don’t explicitly address non-consensual explicit images created or manipulated by AI.
   • It emphasized that the company should clearly prohibit this type of content to facilitate user reporting and moderation.

The Oversight Board also raised issues with Meta’s practice of automatically closing user appeals, suggesting it could have adverse human rights implications for users. Nevertheless, more information is needed before a recommendation can be made regarding this practice.

The proliferation of explicit AI images, particularly in the form of "deepfake porn," has emerged as a major concern for online harassment. Following the Oversight Board’s decision, the US Senate approved a bill targeting explicit deepfakes. This bill, if enacted, would enable victims to seek damages of up to $250,000 from creators of such malicious content.

Ultimately, the Oversight Board’s actions underscore the need for online platforms like Meta to adapt and refine their policies regarding AI-generated content. The push for greater accountability and transparency in tackling sexually explicit deepfakes is crucial in safeguarding users and combating online harassment effectively.