Adult Industry Professionals are Demanding a Say in AI Rules

Adult industry professionals seek voice in AI regulation: A coalition of sex industry professionals and advocates has issued an open letter to EU regulators, asserting that their perspectives are being overlooked in crucial discussions on AI regulation.

• The group, known as Open Mind AI, includes a diverse range of stakeholders such as sex workers, erotic filmmakers, sex tech enterprises, and sex educators.
• They are urging the European Commission to include their voices in future negotiations that will shape AI regulations, emphasizing the importance of their unique insights.
• Notable participants in this initiative include Erika Lust’s company and the European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance, highlighting the breadth of industry representation.

Concerns over regulatory gaps: The coalition argues that there is a “critical gap” in current AI regulation discussions, potentially leading to overregulation of an already marginalized community.

• Exclusion of adult industry perspectives could result in blanket bans on adult content, potentially sweeping away legitimate content along with nonconsensual material.
• The group emphasizes the need for nuanced regulation that distinguishes between consensual adult content and harmful material.
• They fear that without their input, regulations may inadvertently harm their industry while failing to address the real issues at hand.

Deepfake threat looms large: One of the primary AI-related concerns for the adult industry is the proliferation of deepfakes, with a staggering 96% featuring nonconsensual pornography.

• The majority of deepfake victims are women and girls, highlighting a significant gender-based issue in AI-generated content.
• This statistic underscores the urgent need for targeted regulations to protect individuals from nonconsensual use of their likeness in AI-generated pornography.
• The adult industry professionals argue that their expertise could be valuable in crafting effective policies to combat this problem.

Existing challenges in the adult industry: The sector already faces significant hurdles related to censorship and discrimination, often linked to anti-trafficking laws and banking restrictions.

• These existing challenges make the adult industry particularly vulnerable to further marginalization through AI regulations.
• The group argues that their experience navigating these issues makes their input crucial in developing balanced AI policies.
• They seek to ensure that new regulations do not exacerbate existing problems or create new barriers for legitimate adult content creators.

AI platform restrictions: Major AI platforms generally prohibit NSFW (Not Safe For Work) content, putting the adult industry at a disadvantage in utilizing AI technologies.

• This limitation hinders the industry’s ability to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• The group argues that their exclusion from AI platforms further emphasizes the need for their involvement in shaping regulations that affect their sector.
• They seek equal opportunities to leverage AI technologies for legitimate business purposes.

Balancing protection and innovation: While acknowledging the need to protect children from inappropriate content, the coalition emphasizes the importance of being part of the regulatory conversation.

• They aim to contribute to developing nuanced policies that safeguard vulnerable populations without stifling legitimate adult content creation.
• The group seeks to bridge what they perceive as a “blind spot” in digital regulation between the adult industry and AI policy.
• Their goal is to ensure that regulations are comprehensive, fair, and effective in addressing both the risks and opportunities presented by AI in their industry.

Cautious optimism amidst regulatory realities: Despite their proactive approach, the group recognizes that tech regulation can be a lengthy process, often taking years to implement.

• This acknowledgment highlights the urgency of their appeal for inclusion in ongoing discussions.
• The coalition remains hopeful that their voices will be heard and considered in shaping future AI regulations.
• They stress the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between regulators, tech companies, and industry professionals to create effective and balanced policies.

Navigating complex ethical terrain: The initiative by adult industry professionals raises important questions about the intersection of AI, content creation, and personal freedom in the digital age.

While their call for inclusion in regulatory discussions is valid, it also highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding AI and adult content. Balancing the rights of content creators, protecting individuals from exploitation, and ensuring responsible AI development will require careful deliberation and diverse perspectives. As AI continues to reshape various industries, including adult entertainment, the challenge lies in crafting regulations that protect vulnerable populations without unduly restricting legitimate business activities or stifling innovation.