The Adult Industry’s Fight for a Seat at the AI Table: How Regulation Risks Leaving Them Behind
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world, prompting widespread discussions about its implications. From healthcare to finance, AI holds immense promise for progress and innovation. However, its potential impact on the adult industry is often sidelined in these discussions, despite the industry playing a significant role in AI’s evolution.
This oversight has prompted a collective of sex industry professionals and advocates to issue an open letter to EU regulators, urging them to include the adult industry’s perspective in crucial discussions surrounding AI regulation. They argue that the current regulatory approach risks excluding firsthand experiences, leading to a potential overregulation that could stifle innovation while marginalizing an already vulnerable community.
The letter, penned by the Open Mind AI initiative, highlights the "critical gap" in current AI regulatory discussions. Ana Ornelas, an adult author and educator, emphasizes the need for inclusion: "AI is evolving every day… It is natural that people will turn to this new technology to satisfy their fantasies." She underscores the crucial role of adult content creators, sex workers, and educators in understanding the complex interplay between AI and the adult world.
A major concern cited by the initiative is the rise of deepfakes, AI-generated videos that can realistically mimic real individuals. Approximately 96% of deepfakes involve nonconsensual pornography, primarily targeting women and girls. Ornelas calls this a "threat both to their human integrity and their livelihood." She argues that blanket bans on adult content could inadvertently sweep away legitimate material alongside nonconsensual deepfakes, pushing users towards harmful AI models with no ethical filters.
This call for inclusion comes as the European Commission implements the world’s first comprehensive legislation on AI, aiming to foster its responsible use. While the initiative aims to protect individuals and prevent harm, regulators face a critical challenge in understanding the nuances of the adult industry. This lack of understanding could lead to unintended consequences like censorship and draconian measures, with the potential to further marginalize sex workers and adult content creators.
Paulita Pappel, an adult filmmaker and organizer of the initiative, emphasizes the need for recognition and protection of digital rights: “There’s a lack of awareness of how policies impact our livelihoods. We are facing discrimination, and if regulators are trying to protect the rights of people, it would be nice if they could protect the digital rights of everyone.”
This call for inclusion resonates with the industry’s ongoing struggles against censorship and discrimination. Sex workers and porn performers have already faced the brunt of discriminatory policies and technological restrictions. From global legislation aimed at combating sex trafficking to banks limiting their services, the adult industry has been subjected to limitations that often fail to distinguish between legal and harmful activities.
Social media platforms further exacerbate these challenges. Adult content creators and educators have reported suspensions and removals from platforms like Instagram, highlighting the lack of transparency and fairness in content moderation policies. The industry argues that these practices, often driven by societal biases and a lack of understanding, further marginalize them and hinder their ability to reach audiences.
The Open Mind AI initiative presents a timely plea for a more nuanced approach to AI regulation. It calls for a collaborative dialogue that genuinely considers the diverse perspectives within the adult industry. By including these voices, regulators can develop ethical and effective policies that protect the rights of all users while safeguarding the future of the adult industry.
The fight against AI-generated nonconsensual pornography is a critical battleground. Implementing robust safeguards against deepfakes requires a comprehensive understanding of the adult industry, its complexities, and the varied experiences of its members. The European Commission has the opportunity to lead the way in developing an inclusive model for AI regulation, one that prioritizes the rights and voices of all stakeholders, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
Including the adult industry in AI discussions is not merely a matter of social justice; it’s about ensuring that the benefits of AI reach everyone, while mitigating its potential harms. By fostering an open dialogue and recognizing the vital role of the adult industry in shaping the future of AI, we can work towards a more equitable and empowering digital landscape for all.
