In a shocking revelation, the platform 'Secret Desires' – known for its "spicy AI chatting" – left nearly two million images and videos exposed to public access. According to 404 Media, the exposed content includes a mix of user-generated AI images, personal photos, and videos, raising significant privacy concerns.
The exposed data included not only images and videos but also personal information like names, workplaces, and universities. Many of the images belonged to everyday individuals, including non-famous women and influencers, with some content taken from Snapchat screenshots and even yearbook photos.
This security oversight is the latest in a series of incidents involving the misuse of generative AI tools to create non-consensual explicit deepfakes. The leaked content primarily consisted of explicit material, with file names alarmingly referencing underage individuals.
“The exposure of these images underscores the risks associated with AI technologies and the need for stricter controls,” remarked a concerned digital privacy advocate.
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle to combat the creation and distribution of explicit deepfakes, affecting both public figures and private individuals. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have also fallen victim to deepfake technology, where their likenesses are used without consent in explicit media.
In response to the growing threat of deepfakes, Congress passed the Take It Down Act earlier this year. While aimed at combating non-consensual explicit imagery, the legislation has sparked debate among free speech advocates who fear potential misuse against consensual content.
Despite the gravity of the situation, 'Secret Desires' did not provide any comment to 404 Media. However, the exposed files were quickly secured, becoming inaccessible shortly after the publication's inquiry. This incident calls for a renewed focus on data security and privacy protections in the age of AI.