Three female law students at the University of Hong Kong have come forward with a disturbing incident involving the creation of AI-generated pornographic images without their consent. The discovery of over 700 photos, including explicit images produced using AI tools, was made by one student’s former partner in February. The victims, identified as L., B., and H., spoke anonymously to CBC, expressing shock and fear upon learning about the violation of their privacy.
In response to the incident, the male student involved admitted to using social media photos of the victims to generate pornographic images using AI technology. The university initially asked him to write an apology letter and issued a warning letter, but the victims felt this was not sufficient accountability. The case shed light on the lack of legal provisions in Hong Kong criminalizing AI-generated pornography creation.
The victims decided to raise awareness by sharing their story on social media in July. Although the university stated it was reviewing the matter, the Equal Opportunities Commission closed the complaint as it did not meet the criteria for sexual harassment under existing laws. The absence of specific legislation addressing AI-generated porn highlights a global challenge in regulating such content without consent.
While some countries like South Korea and the UK have enacted laws to combat non-consensual deepfake porn, gaps in legislation persist. Legal experts emphasize the need to address loopholes and hold platforms accountable for facilitating the dissemination of such content. The proliferation of AI tools capable of creating lifelike fake images poses a growing threat, prompting calls for stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
The victims shared their distress and the ongoing impact of the incident, underscoring the psychological toll and sense of helplessness in combating AI-generated pornography. With the internet perceived as a lawless space, concerns remain over the effectiveness of laws and enforcement measures in curbing this form of digital exploitation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive legal frameworks to protect individuals from the harms of AI-generated porn without consent.