Deepfakes Run Rampant on Etsy
Key Takeaway
AI-generated pornographic deepfakes of over 55 celebrities were being openly sold on Etsy until notified, and the site continues to host thousands of AI porn images, struggling to control this content.
Summary
- Over 55 celebrities like Olivia Munn and Jenna Ortega had AI-generated pornographic deepfakes made and sold on Etsy. These were available for purchase until Forbes notified Etsy.
- Etsy removed 16 listings identified by Forbes but continues to host thousands of other AI porn images easily discoverable through searches.
- Its recommendations feature also directs users to more such content through related searches.
- Experts say Etsy currently has no technical barriers to better filtering out this content compared to sites like Amazon and eBay.
- While officially banned, pornography slipped through under policy loopholes due to poor enforcement mechanisms according to experts.
- Deepfake porn disproportionately targets women and has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread through new AI advancements.
- With limited legal recourse, responsibility lies majorly on platforms like Etsy that host and drive access to such non-consensual content.
- Etsy risks its brand image that was built on selling arts and crafts items, as it struggles to manage this flood of AI content.