"Violation of my body:" Perceptions of AI-generated non-consensual (intimate) imagery

TL;DR

This study surveys U.S. individuals' perceptions of non-consensual AI-generated intimate imagery, revealing strong opposition to creation and sharing, with attitudes influenced by gender, relationship to the creator, and views on sexual consent.

Contribution

It provides initial insights into public perceptions of non-consensual AI-generated intimate content, informing social norms, policy, and technical development.

Findings

Strong opposition to creating and sharing non-consensual deepfake content

Acceptance varies based on creator relationship and respondent gender

Highlights need for further research on social and policy implications

Abstract

AI technology has enabled the creation of deepfakes: hyper-realistic synthetic media. We surveyed 315 individuals in the U.S. on their views regarding the hypothetical non-consensual creation of deepfakes depicting them, including deepfakes portraying sexual acts. Respondents indicated strong opposition to creating and, even more so, sharing non-consensually created synthetic content, especially if that content depicts a sexual act. However, seeking out such content appeared more acceptable to some respondents. Attitudes around acceptability varied further based on the hypothetical creator's relationship to the participant, the respondent's gender and their attitudes towards sexual consent. This study provides initial insight into public perspectives of a growing threat and highlights the need for further research to inform social norms as well as ongoing policy conversations and technical developments in generative AI.