In the rapidly changing landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), a crucial voice is emerging that advocates for the inclusion of the adult industry in the discussions around regulation. Recently, a coalition of sex industry professionals, educators, and advocates sent an open letter to EU regulators calling attention to their exclusion from key conversations about the governance of AI. This letter underscores not only the importance of diversity in the regulatory process but also highlights how vast and critical this sector’s insights are in shaping effective and inclusive AI legislation.
The open letter, made public last Thursday, signals a pivotal moment for advocates in the sex industry who feel sidelined as legislation is drafted. The collective comprises voices from various sectors including sex workers, erotic content creators, and sex technology innovators. They argue that, as a community actively impacted by AI developments, they possess unique insights that regulators must consider. Funded by organizations such as the European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance and spearheaded by figures like filmmaker Erika Lust, the initiative emphasizes the necessity of incorporating lived experiences into policymaking frameworks.
Ana Ornelas, a distinguished erotic author and educator also known as Pimenta Cítrica, articulated the urgency when she stated, “AI is evolving every day… it’s natural that people will turn to this new technology to satisfy their fantasies.” This sentiment reflects a broader acknowledgment of how technological advancements intersect with human behavior, particularly in the realm of adult content. The adult industry cannot be looked at through a singular lens; rather, it requires an understanding of its complexity and relevance in contemporary society.
One of the grave concerns raised in the letter pertains to the rise of deepfake technology. Currently, an alarming 96% of deepfakes feature non-consensual pornography, predominantly victimizing women and girls. Ornelas described this phenomenon as highly detrimental, not only damaging the individuals depicted but also endangering the livelihoods of legitimate adult content creators. “It’s a threat both to their human integrity and their livelihood,” she emphasized, underscoring the far-reaching repercussions of unfettered technology.
The advocates argue that existing measures could unintentionally solve one problem while creating another. They fear that harsh regulations aimed at eradicating non-consensual content could essentially wipe out legitimate adult content, thereby stifling creativity, safety, and expression within an already marginalized community. Such measures could ultimately push consumers towards unregulated AI models devoid of necessary safeguards, leaving room for more abuse and exploitation.
On August 1, the European Commission proposed to implement its robust AI legislation, billed as a transformative approach for the ethical use of AI technology across the EU. However, the organizers of the letter argue that there’s a disconnection in regulators’ understanding of the nuances inherent in the adult industry. Critics suggest that without input from those with firsthand experience, there is a significant risk of imposing censorship that could undermine rights and freedoms while failing to dismantle harmful practices.
As Ornelas articulated, “We can offer the right insight to policymakers so they can regulate in a way that safeguards fundamental rights, freedom, and fosters a more sex-positive online environment.” This emphasizes the potential for constructive dialogue between regulators and the adult industry to create balanced and effective policies that protect both consumers and creators alike.
The adult industry is facing an increasing amount of scrutiny from lawmakers globally, often leading to unnecessary discrimination and censorship. Paulita Pappel, a filmmaker and organizer of the initiative, notes a pervasive lack of consideration for how these legislations directly affect livelihoods within the industry. This oversight not only stifles creativity but also threatens the very fabric of a community increasingly defined by resilience and innovation.
As regulators continue to navigate the complexities surrounding AI, it’s crucial that they engage with the adult industry. It’s not merely about safeguarding a niche sector; it’s about acknowledging a facet of society that reflects broader human experiences and desires. Creating comprehensive AI regulations that genuinely reflect diverse perspectives could lead to a more equitable and just digital landscape. The time has come for this group to be included in conversations that hold the potential to shape their futures and the futures of countless others engaged in this field.
The adult industry’s call for inclusion in AI regulation discussions is not just a quest for visibility. It’s a recognition of the significant role they play in the evolving dynamics of technology and society. Their perspectives are vital in crafting regulations that are fair, informed, and adaptive to the realities of an increasingly digital world.
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