Taylor Swift became the target of AI when a slew of deepfakes popped up on Twitter/X, and fans called to “protect” their favorite singer from the misuse of technology.
If you ask some corners of the internet, AI is the wave of the future. From its use to make unique artwork to forging portrait recreations based on social media profile pics, the relatively new technology has taken the internet by storm.
But there’s a clear downside to such cutting-edge tech. AI can be used to reapply one’s likeness to various situations and environments without the person’s consent.
Pop star Taylor Swift recently came under a grave misuse of AI when deepfakes appeared online, causing many fans to grow increasingly concerned.
Taylor Swift performing on her Eras Tour
Taylor Swift fans rallied behind the singer against AI pictures
When deepfakes popped up on Twitter/X, Swifties were quick to defend the singer and call for her protection against such harrowing misuses of AI technology.
“The Taylor Swift AI images are insane. “Some of these men really need to be locked in a cage and shipped off to Mars or smth.”
the taylor swift ai images are insane. please report + don’t give more attention to those tweets. some of these men really need to be locked in a cage and shipped off to mars or smth pic.twitter.com/IjM9o2Cy3c
— naboo coffee ⸆⸉ (@naboocoffee) January 25, 2024
“This angel deserves to be protected. It doesn’t matter how famous someone is, how much you may dislike her – whatever. She is a human being & deserves respect,” said a Swiftie.
Another user echoed the sentiment, writing, “I’m not a Swifty, but the spread of Taylor Swift AI pictures should be stopped. She is a Human being with feelings no matter how rich she is it still hurts.”
“These Taylor Swift AI pictures is proof that all men should start their lives in jail and have to prove they’re a good person to get out,” added another Swiftie.
Im not a swifty, but the spread of Taylor Swift AI pictures should be stopped. She is a Human being with feelings no matter how rich she is it still hurts.PROTECT TAYLOR SWIFT pic.twitter.com/u9yPHaITpt
— Janty (@Utd_janty) January 25, 2024
these taylor swift AI pictures is proof that all men should start their lives in jail and have to prove they’re a good person to get out
— lucy🐍🖤 (@lucysreputation) January 25, 2024
The implications here are staggering and dangerous. Not only can photos be manipulated, but many AI experts warn against misinformation and cyberattacks. The latest case involving Taylor Swift is just scraping the surface of what the future could hold.
As of this writing, neither Swift nor her publicist Tree Paine has released a statement regarding the viral deepfakes.