AI-generated images of Katy Perry and Rihanna tricked fans into thinking the stars attended the Met Gala this year. Despite discrepancies in the images, some social media users were fooled, including Perry’s own mother. Perry confirmed she was unable to attend the event in a caption on Instagram. Additionally, a fake image of Rihanna also circulated online, even though she had confirmed she would not be attending due to illness. Representatives for both stars did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the AI-generated images.
The source of the AI-generated images remains unclear, but experts suggest the technology was likely trained on past Met Gala images to create realistic backdrops. Getty Images declined to comment on the situation, but has previously dealt with copyright infringement issues related to AI-generated content. This incident underscores the growing concerns around the misuse of generative AI technology, including disinformation, scams, and propaganda. Experts warn of the potential for identity theft, scams, and even election manipulation using AI-generated content.
Cayce Myers, a professor at Virginia Tech, emphasized the sophistication of AI technology in creating convincing images that can deceive even close family members. While generating fake images of celebrities may seem harmless, there have been documented cases of more serious misuse, such as sexually explicit deepfakes of Taylor Swift. This highlights the need for protections against nonconsensual deepfakes that disproportionately harm women and children. As countries gear up for elections, experts warn of geopolitical consequences of deceptive AI-generated content that could pose risks to national security.
Building infrastructure to protect consumers from the risks associated with generative AI presents a significant challenge as the technology continues to advance rapidly. Experts stress the need for corporate accountability, industry standards, and government regulation to govern AI responsibly. While tech companies currently hold much of the power in managing AI risks, governments are working to catch up. The European Union recently reached a deal on comprehensive AI rules, but the act won’t take effect for two years after final approval. The commercialization of AI technology underscores the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure responsible use of generative AI.
Overall, the incident with AI-generated images of Katy Perry and Rihanna at the Met Gala highlights the complex issues surrounding the use of generative AI. From deceiving fans to potential threats to national security, the misuse of AI technology poses various risks that require a comprehensive approach to regulation and oversight. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges and harness the benefits of AI innovation while safeguarding against potential harms.
