Logo

    Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes

    enJuly 12, 2024
    What incident did Elliston Berry experience at school?
    How does deep fake technology contribute to cyberbullying?
    What impact did the fake images have on Elliston's emotional well-being?
    What is the purpose of the Take It Down Act?
    Why is it hard to detect and prevent fake images?

    Podcast Summary

    • AI-generated fake nude imagesAI technology can be used to create realistic fake nude images, causing harm and violation to young people, leaving them feeling terrified and with no way of knowing who has seen the images or how many people are affected

      Technology has opened up new ways for cyberbullying, with the rise of AI-generated fake nude images. Fourteen-year-old Elliston Berry from Alito High School in Texas fell victim to this trend when a classmate used artificial intelligence to manipulate real photos of her and other girls, creating doctored images that spread around the entire school. The images were so realistic that it was difficult to distinguish them from the original ones. The incident left Elliston feeling terrified and violated, with no way of knowing who had seen the images or how many people were affected. This growing trend poses a significant challenge for parents, schools, and the government, as they struggle to keep up with the evolving technology and find ways to protect young people from the harm caused by these fake images.

    • Deep Fake TechnologyDeep Fake Technology is becoming more accessible, leading to creation and sharing of fake nudes, causing harm to individuals' reputations. Preventive measures include education and implementation of policies and technologies.

      Deep fake technology, which can create convincing fake videos, photos, and audio, is becoming more accessible and is affecting people of all ages, including teenagers in schools. This technology has led to the creation and sharing of fake nudes, causing awkward situations and potential harm to individuals' reputations. The problem has made headlines in various schools across the country, but it's likely that many more incidents have gone unreported. It's important to be aware of this issue and take steps to prevent it, such as educating students about the dangers of creating and sharing deep fakes and implementing policies and technologies to detect and prevent their dissemination.

    • Deepfake imagesDeepfake images can be created using AI technology, spreading rapidly online, and causing severe consequences such as embarrassment, distress, and damage to reputation. Efforts to remove such apps continue, but new ones emerge, highlighting the challenges of controlling content on the internet and the importance of digital privacy and online safety education.

      There are apps and websites that use AI technology to create fake nude images of people based on uploaded photos. These images can spread rapidly through social media, making it difficult to control or stop their dissemination once they're released. Despite efforts from app stores like Google and Apple to remove such apps, new ones continue to emerge. The potential consequences of having such images circulating online can be severe, causing embarrassment, distress, and damage to one's reputation. The spread of these images highlights the challenges of controlling content on the internet and the potential for harm that can come from it. A case in point is that of Elliston Berry, who discovered fake nude images of herself online and had to confront the emotional fallout that followed. The ease with which these images can be created and shared underscores the importance of digital privacy and the need for greater awareness and education about online safety.

    • Crisis supportDuring a crisis, communication, collaboration, and community support are essential for addressing the situation and ensuring safety and wellbeing.

      When faced with a crisis, especially involving the safety and wellbeing of a loved one, the natural instinct is to protect and support. Anna McAdams, Elliston's mother, reacted immediately when she learned of her daughter's distressing situation. Elliston stayed home from school and received an outpouring of support from her friends and community. Despite the uncertainty and overwhelming response, communication and collaboration among those involved proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator. While navigating the aftermath of such an incident can be complex, the importance of community, support, and swift action cannot be overstated.

    • AI-generated content in schoolsSchools need to update their policies to address the creation and distribution of AI-generated content, ensuring student safety and clear communication

      As AI technology advances, schools are struggling to keep up with new issues such as the creation and distribution of fake nude photos. There's no standardized approach to dealing with such situations, and it often involves reporting to local law enforcement. Schools may take disciplinary action, but their policies around AI use are usually outdated. In the case of Alistair's school, a student used AI to create fake nude photos of classmates, leading to suspension but with no clear communication about the identity or length of the suspension. The girls felt unprotected and unsure of their safety. The school assisted the investigation and reviewed its code of conduct, but the lack of clear policies around AI use left parents and students in the dark. It's important for schools to address this issue and update their policies to better protect students from the harmful effects of AI-generated content.

    • Online privacy of minorsViolation of a minor's online privacy through sharing of non-consensual nude images can have serious emotional and future consequences, leading to the introduction of the Take It Down Act to criminalize publication and require swift removal by social media companies.

      When a minor's privacy is violated through the sharing of non-consensual nude images, it can have serious consequences for their emotional well-being and future prospects. Anna Elliston, whose daughter was a victim of such an incident, took action by sharing her story with Senator Ted Cruz, leading to the introduction of the bipartisan Take It Down Act. This bill aims to criminalize the publication of such images and requires social media companies to remove them within 48 hours. The bill also emphasizes the importance of holding individuals accountable and ensuring the swift removal of harmful content. For victims, the incident can leave lasting anxiety and a desire for increased privacy. The Take It Down Act represents a crucial first step in addressing this issue and protecting individuals' privacy online.

    • AI ethicsThe use of AI technology can lead to privacy violations and mental health issues, and it's essential to establish guidelines and resources to address these negative consequences

      While advancements in AI technology can bring about convenience and efficiency, they also come with potential risks and consequences, particularly in areas related to privacy and mental health. The speaker in this conversation shared her experience of having embarrassing photos of herself circulated online due to AI-generated deepfakes, and the distressing impact it had on her life. She expressed frustration with the lack of regulations or support from her school in dealing with this issue. This incident highlights the need for more dialogue and action around the ethical implications of AI, and the importance of establishing guidelines and resources to address the negative consequences it may have on individuals. It's crucial that as we continue to embrace AI technology, we also prioritize safeguarding privacy, promoting mental health, and ensuring accountability for its use.

    Recent Episodes from The Journal.

    The Rise of the Tween Shopper

    The Rise of the Tween Shopper
    Tweens, or kids aged 8 to 12, have learned to shop online. Brands are taking note. WSJ’s Chavie Lieber spoke to TikTok-er Demetra Dias and explains the impact of influencers like her on young shoppers and the brands that court them. Further Reading: - Teen Girls Are Spending Big. She Tells Them What to Buy.  - Why Tweens Are Obsessed With This $110 Sweatsuit  Further Listening: - How the Stanley Cup Became the Internet's Favorite Water Bottle  - Teens Are Falling Victim to AI Fake Nudes  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enSeptember 04, 2024

    What's Behind the Arrest of the Telegram CEO?

    What's Behind the Arrest of the Telegram CEO?
    Pavel Durov, the CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France last month. He was charged with a host of crimes, including complicity in distributing child pornography, illegal drugs and hacking software on the app. Matthew Dalton reports on how the charges represent a major escalation by the French government in holding tech executives accountable for the content that appears on their platforms. Further Reading: - Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Charged by French Authorities  - Exclusive | Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Was Wooed and Targeted by Governments  Further Listening: - Is Fighting Misinformation Censorship? The Supreme Court Will Decide.  - What Happens to Privacy in the Age of AI?  - Meta Is Struggling to Boot Pedophiles Off Facebook and Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enSeptember 03, 2024

    For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead

    For Kamala Harris, a Big Interview and a Narrow Lead
    Kamala Harris is trying to step out of President Biden’s shadow without distancing herself from thier administration’s policies. Molly Ball breaks down a new WSJ poll that shows Harris has a narrow lead in the presidential election and unpacks the VP’s first big interview. She also takes your questions.   Further Reading: - Harris Has Taken Narrow Lead Over Trump, WSJ Poll Finds  - Race Is On To Reach the Rapidly Shrinking Pool of Undecided Voters  Further Listening: - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track?  - Kamala Harris, In Context   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 30, 2024

    Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL

    Private Equity Finally Can Get a Piece of the NFL
    The world’s most lucrative sports league is allowing private equity to buy into teams. WSJ’s Andrew Beaton and Miriam Gottfried unpack why the NFL is opening up, and what it could mean for owners and fans. Further Reading: -Private Equity Ownership Is Coming to the NFL  -College Sports Is About to Turn Pro. Private Equity Wants In.  Further Listening: -Why Three Media Giants Are Betting on Sports Streaming  -ESPN’s Big Bet on an F-Bomb-Throwing YouTube Star  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 29, 2024

    Why China Is Risking a Trade War

    Why China Is Risking a Trade War
    Faced with stagnating economic growth, Chinese leader Xi Jinping decided to go all in on manufacturing and exporting. But, as Lingling Wei reports, the increase in low-cost Chinese goods is squeezing businesses around the world and raising the specter of a new trade war. Further Listening: - How Xi Jinping's Dream Slowed China's Economy  - The Political Cost of China's Faltering Economy  Further Reading: - Why China Is Starting a New Trade War  - China Revives Socialist Ideas to Fix Its Real-Estate Crisis  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 28, 2024

    Lending Elon Musk Money Was A Very Bad Bet

    Lending Elon Musk Money Was A Very Bad Bet
    When Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022, he borrowed $13 billion dollars from several banks to complete the deal. Now, it looks like the banks may not get all their money back. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy on what the banks didn’t take into account when they made those loans. Further Reading: -Elon Musk’s Twitter Takeover Is Now the Worst Buyout for Banks Since the Financial Crisis  -Elon Musk’s Hard Turn to Politics, in 300,000 of His Own Words  Further Listening: -Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump -Tesla’s Multibillion-Dollar Pay Package for Elon Musk -Why Elon Musk’s Twitter Is Losing Advertisers  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 27, 2024

    Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?

    Etsy: Big Commerce or Crafters' Community?
    For almost 20 years, Etsy has been a popular website for handmade and specialized goods on the internet. But as the company grew, many current and former sellers say the platform has changed and is now full of mass-produced goods. They’ve also complained about increased seller fees. The CEO, Josh Silverman, responds, saying Etsy is still true to its original mission to keep commerce ‘human.’  Further Listening: - What’s Behind Amazon’s Review Problem  - The Resurrection of Abercrombie & Fitch  Further Reading: - Temu’s U.S. Entry Is an Orange Flag for Etsy  - Etsy to Cut 11% of Marketplace Workforce in Restructuring  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 26, 2024

    Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves) at the DNC

    Hope, Unity (and Some Nerves) at the DNC
    Last night, Vice President Kamala Harris formally accepted the Democratic presidential nomination. It capped off a boisterous, speaker-packed week in Chicago as the Harris campaign tries to reach a broad swath of American voters. Molly Ball reports from Chicago.  Further Listening: - Is the Trump Campaign Going Off Track?   - Takeaways from the RNC: Trump Is in Control  Further Reading: - Kamala Harris Defines the Democrats’ New Normal  - Democrats’ Upbeat Convention Has Nancy Pelosi to Thank  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 23, 2024

    Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads

    Outcry at Bank of America Over Dangerous Workloads
    In May, an associate at Bank of America died unexpectedly after working long hours on a big acquisition. The death sparked an outcry about the all-nighters and 100-hour weeks that grind down young investment bankers. WSJ’s Alexander Saeedy spoke to over three dozen current and former employees about a pervasive culture of overwork at the bank. Further Reading: -How Bank of America Ignores Its Own Rules Meant to Prevent Dangerous Workloads  -Bank of America Urges Bankers to Sound Alarm on Overwork After WSJ Investigation  Further Listening: -Lewd Photos, Booze and Bullying: Inside the FDIC’s Toxic Culture  -JPMorgan's $75 Million Jeffrey Epstein Settlement  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 22, 2024

    The Inside Story of Starbucks’s CEO Drama

    The Inside Story of Starbucks’s CEO Drama
    Last week, Starbucks ousted its CEO Laxman Narasimhan and replaced him with Brian Niccol, the current leader of Chipotle. Lauren Thomas reports on the dramatic leadership change, as Starbucks struggles to turn around its business and contend with activist investors.   Further Listening: - Can Chinese Customers Rescue Starbucks?   - The Underdog Coffee Bean That’s Making a Comeback  Further Reading: - Inside Starbucks’s Surprising CEO Firing and Hiring  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    The Journal.
    enAugust 21, 2024