AI pornography victims encounter a lack of preparedness in Hong Kong's approach to the issue
In a shocking turn of events, a law student in Hong Kong, identified as "C", has become a victim of AI-made pornography created by a university classmate. This incident has sparked a huge debate in Hong Kong about the growing threat of AI-made pornography and the city's preparedness to address this issue.
The incident involved graphic images of multiple women, and after the victims went public with the scandal, Hong Kong's privacy watchdog launched a criminal investigation, and the Equal Opportunities Commission is handling a related complaint. Another victim, identified as "B", felt betrayed as she considered the perpetrator a friend.
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) case involved hundreds of images of at least 20 women discovered on a student's laptop. The student who was a victim and was identified as "A" could not be reached for comment by AFP. The third victim, "C", endured periods of self-doubt due to the comments she received from those who blamed her for ruining the perpetrator's future and expected her to apologize.
The university's initial response was to give the student a warning letter and make him apologize. However, this response has been widely criticized, with victims and some academics arguing that Hong Kong is unprepared to handle the threat of AI-made pornography, suggesting the need for expanded and revised laws to cope with technology-facilitated sexual harassment.
Currently, Hong Kong has no specific laws that criminalize the creation or possession of AI-generated pornography. Existing laws can be applied, such as the distribution of obscene images, but these may not be sufficient to address the issue effectively. The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance is applicable to the misuse of personal data in deepfake images, but it does not specifically target AI-generated content.
There are mixed opinions on whether to enact targeted legislation. The privacy commissioner, Ada Chung, believes that existing laws are sufficient for handling AI-made pornography cases, and there is no immediate need to amend them. On the other hand, the Hong Kong Bar Association chairman, Jose-Antonio Maurellet, argues that a targeted law is needed to address AI-generated deepfake pornography effectively.
Victims and some academics argue that Hong Kong is unprepared to handle the threat of AI-made pornography, suggesting the need for expanded and revised laws to cope with technology-facilitated sexual harassment. There is a growing call for legal action against the creation of AI-generated pornography, with some advocating that the line should be drawn at creation.
The incident has also raised concerns about the impact on the victims. Janice, a woman in her late 20s, was a victim of AI-made pornography a few years ago and never found the culprit. She worried that the damage might "never end" and experienced suicidal thoughts, fear, and anxiety as a result. Another victim, identified as "B", believes that offenders should face long-term consequences and stated that the mere creation of AI porn undermines bodily autonomy, privacy, and dignity.
Discussions in Britain and Singapore show a growing willingness to penalize the creation of deepfake pornography, though opinion is split on possession. As the debate continues in Hong Kong, it remains to be seen whether new legislation will be enacted to better address the issue of AI-generated pornography.
- The debates in Hong Kong are increasingly focusing on the need for expanded and revised laws to cope with technology-facilitated sexual harassment instances like AI-made pornography.
- The creation of AI-generated pornography has raised concerns beyond Hong Kong, with discussions in Britain and Singapore indicating a growing willingness to penalize its production.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) has crossed into the realm of health-and-wellness, as it poses a significant threat to mental-health and sexual-health, given the psychological trauma and loss of privacy victims suffer.
- As technology like AI artificial intelligence rapidly evolves, it is essential for general-news and crime-and-justice spheres to stay updated and proactive in addressing emerging challenges such as AI-generated pornography and upholding principles of justice and privacy.
