Google reportedly implements a ban on Deepfake pornography advertising. The tech company’s updated and policy now prohibits promoting synthetic content that has been altered or generated to be sexually explicit or contain nudity.
Google Implements Ban on Deepfake Pornography Advertising
Google has announced a significant update to its advertising policies, targeting deepfake pornography and synthetic nude content. This change comes as part of the tech giant’s ongoing efforts to combat sexually explicit material on its platforms. Let’s delve into the details of this policy shift and its implications.
Google has long maintained strict guidelines against sexually explicit advertisements, prohibiting the promotion of content intended to arouse. However, until now, the company has not explicitly banned advertisers from promoting services that facilitate the creation of deepfake pornographic material.
The New Policy
Effective May 30th, Google’s updated policy prohibits the promotion of services involved in the creation or distribution of synthetic sexual content. This includes deepfake pornography, which involves the use of AI technology to superimpose individuals’ faces onto explicit material, as well as other forms of generated nudity.
Enforcing the Policy
Google spokesperson Michael Aciman clarified that any ads violating these policies will be promptly removed. The company employs a combination of human reviews and automated systems to enforce these guidelines.
In 2023 alone, Google removed over 1.8 billion ads for violating its policies on sexual content, as reported in the company’s annual Ads Safety Report.
Closing Loopholes
The update aims to close loopholes exploited by certain apps and services that circumvented Google’s previous restrictions.
Some apps, for instance, promoted themselves as non-sexual on Google’s platforms while engaging in sexually explicit activities elsewhere. This change seeks to address such deceptive practices more effectively.
Addressing the Issue
Nonconsensual deepfake pornography has become a growing concern, leading to legal repercussions for perpetrators. Recent incidents, including arrests of individuals creating AI-generated nude photos and legal actions against distributors of deepfake child sexual abuse material, underscore the severity of the issue.
Legislative Response
Legislative efforts are underway to combat the proliferation of deepfake pornography. The introduction of the DEFIANCE Act by both the House and Senate signals a proactive approach to address digital forgery. This proposed legislation aims to provide recourse for victims of nonconsensual deepfakes.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to ban advertising related to deepfake pornography reflects its commitment to safeguarding users from harmful content. As technology continues to evolve, platforms must adapt their policies to mitigate the risks posed by synthetic sexual material.
With legislative measures and tech industry initiatives, concerted efforts are underway to combat the spread of nonconsensual deepfake pornography.
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