‘Afraid of AI’, says Trump as he faces potential lawsuit for sharing Taylor Swift's deepfakes

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Trump’s comments highlight a growing issue with AI-generated content and its potential for misrepresentation. He mentioned that he too has been a victim of AI, recounting instances where his voice and likeness were used without his consent to promote products he never endorsed read more

‘Afraid of AI’, says Trump as he faces potential lawsuit for sharing Taylor Swift's deepfakes

Despite his public denials of involvement in the creation of the image, as of now, the controversial post remains visible on Trump's Truth Social account. This ongoing situation raises questions about the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities of individuals sharing AI-generated content. Image Credit: Reuters

Former President Donald Trump has found himself at the centre of a controversy involving AI-generated images after sharing a doctored image of pop star Taylor Swift. The image, styled after an Uncle Sam propaganda poster, depicted Swift pointing at the viewer with a message urging fans to vote for Trump. The image was posted on Truth Social, a social media platform owned by Trump.

When questioned by Fox Business about the possibility of facing legal action from Swift, Trump distanced himself from the creation of the image. “I don’t know anything about them other than somebody else generated them, I didn’t generate them,” Trump stated. He emphasized that the image was produced by others and expressed concern about the dangers of AI, calling it “very dangerous in that way.”

Trump’s comments highlight a growing issue with AI-generated content and its potential for misrepresentation. He mentioned that he too has been a victim of AI, recounting instances where his voice and likeness were used without his consent to promote products he never endorsed. “They’re having me speak…and I’m like endorsing other products and things. It’s a little bit dangerous out there,” Trump remarked.

The legal implications of Trump’s actions could be significant, particularly given Swift’s reputation for fiercely protecting her image. In Tennessee, where Swift has deep ties, the Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security (ELVIS) Act was signed into law earlier this year. The act protects artists from unauthorized use of their likenesses and voices, which could make Trump’s sharing of the AI-generated image a potential violation of state law.

Despite his public denials of involvement in the creation of the image, as of now, the controversial post remains visible on Trump’s Truth Social account. This ongoing situation raises questions about the legal responsibilities and potential liabilities of individuals sharing AI-generated content, especially when it involves high-profile figures like Swift.

Trump’s concerns about AI are not new. In a previous Fox Business interview, he described AI as “maybe the most dangerous thing out there” and warned of its potential to create realistic yet false representations that are difficult to distinguish from reality. He expressed frustration over the lack of effective solutions to address the misuse of AI, calling it “a tremendous problem in terms of security” and urging for immediate action.

These statements are in stark contrast to the official stance of the Republican Party. While Trump has voiced fears about the dangers of AI, the 2024 GOP platform includes a plan to repeal President Joe Biden’s executive order aimed at making AI safer and more trustworthy. The GOP platform argues for AI development that supports free speech and human flourishing, rejecting what they describe as “Radical Leftwing ideas” imposed by Biden’s administration.

As the debate over AI’s role in society continues to evolve, Trump’s recent experiences underscore the urgent need for clearer regulations and solutions to address the ethical and legal challenges posed by this powerful technology. The controversy surrounding the Taylor Swift deepfake serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked AI and the complexities it introduces in the digital age.

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