“Undressing” applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) are on the rise and gaining popularity, according to a study done by a social media analytics firm.

According to social network analysis company Graphika, as many as 2.4 crore people visited such sites in September alone. Graphika said in its December report, “A Revealing Picture”, that it analysed 34 websites that offer these services, which it described as non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII).

According to Graphika report “Using data provided by Meltwater, we measured the number of comments and posts on Reddit and X containing referral links to 34 websites and 52 Telegram channels providing synthetic NCII services. These totaled 1,280 in 2022 compared to over 32,100 so far this year, representing a 2,408 per cent increase in volume year-on-year.”

“Currently, many of these services monetize their offerings through credit and debit card payment platforms such as PayPal and Stripe, as well as cryptocurrency platforms, including Coinbase Commerce.” Graphika report revealed.

You can create something that actually looks realistic,” said Santiago Lakatos, an analyst at Graphika, noting that previous deepfakes were often blurry. There is currently no federal law banning the creation of deep fake pornography.

The researchers warned: “We assess the increasing prominence and accessibility of these services will very likely lead to further instances of online harm, such as the creation and dissemination of non-consensual nude images, targeted harassment campaigns, sextortion, and the generation of child sexual abuse material”.

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The use of AI for generating non-consensual pornography has been a worrying trend for years now. Websites that create deep fake nudes – digitally manipulated images to make someone appear naked – have surfaced in the past few years.

The menace is all the more concerning as it is also being used to target minors. Last month, the deep fake images of female students of a New Jersey high school were circulated online.

In September, more than 20 girls fell prey to deep fake photos generated by the AI-powered app ‘Clothoff’ which lets users ‘undress girls for free’, reported Daily Mail. These fake nude images made using the fully clothed pictures posted on these girls’ Instagram accounts were then shared in WhatsApp groups.

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