Disturbing Trend: Shocking Rise of AI-generated Exploitative Images Targeting Minors Sparks Outrage in Spain
Authorities in Spain are conducting a probe following the distressing circulation of manipulated images of underage girls in a southern town Artificial intelligence was utilized to digitally remove their clothing, sparking significant public outcry and concern
An investigation has been initiated by Spanish authorities following the circulation of modified images of young girls in a southern town. These images were created using artificial intelligence to digitally remove their clothing. Concerned mothers from Almendralejo, located in the Extremadura region, reported that their daughters had received such explicit images.
One mother, Miriam Al Adib, took to her verified Instagram account to shed light on the situation. Using a video, she shared the distressing experience of her daughter who revealed that someone had utilized an app to create a misleading image of her in a state of nudity. Remarkably, it was discovered that several other girls had fallen victim to the same deplorable act.
Al Adib addressed those responsible, stating, "You fail to comprehend the extent of the harm you have caused."
According to Francisco Mendoza, a regional government official, local public media outlet Canal Extremadura reported that the police have identified certain young individuals who might be implicated in the creation of the images.
On Wednesday, a spokeswoman for the high court of justice in Extremadura told CNN that a police investigation is ongoing.
Spains national police did not respond to requests for comment.
Al Adib urged the individuals in charge to collaborate in resolving the problem, expressing worry that the pictures might potentially be shared on pornographic websites.
"Involving other people's images in such a heinous act and disseminating them is an extremely grave offense," she stated in the caption.
Pilar Porrón, the mother of another girl, revealed to Canal Extremadura on Monday that her daughter was informed by a friend about her involvement in a nude photograph. Fátima Gomez, another mother, shared with the channel that her daughter was subjected to attempted extortion by a boy using a manipulated image.
She recounted how her daughter had shared a conversation with the boy, wherein he requested her to transfer funds. Upon her daughter's refusal, the boy retaliated by sending a doctored image of her in the nude.
Luis Rubiales has stepped down from his post as president of the Spanish soccer federation following weeks of backlash.
Maja Hitij/FIFA/Getty Images
Luis Rubiales steps down as president of Spanish football after an unwanted kiss from World Cup champion Jennifer Hermoso, as reported by the media. The images in question were created using an application that utilizes artificial intelligence to generate nude photographs of individuals.
Mayor José MarÃa RamÃrez of Almendralejo classified the incident as another example of gender-based violence. Additionally, Maria Guardiola, the leader of the Extremadura regional government, publicly denounced the act as a repugnant occurrence on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Guardiola stated that the rise of digital violence against women is a growing problem.
This incident coincides with Spain's current reckoning regarding sexual assault and gender-based violence, following allegations against Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish soccer federation. Rubiales was accused of non-consensually kissing Jennifer Hermoso, a Women's World Cup winner.
Arrested for sexually assaulting a reporter while she was doing a live television show #Madrid
PolicÃa Nacional/X
Man arrested after allegedly touching Spanish journalist's bottom live on air
Rubiales stepped down from his role on September 10, after enduring intense criticism for several weeks. Despite the accusations put forth against him, he vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
Subsequent to the Spanish team's triumph in the Women's World Cup final on August 20, a controversial kiss between Rubiales and Hermoso ensued. This incident garnered widespread condemnation both in Spain and globally.
Previously, the 46-year-old apologized for the incident, characterizing the kiss as "mutual," a claim contradicted by Hermoso who stated she did not provide consent and was not treated with respect. Furthermore, on September 14, there was additional outrage when a man was apprehended by the police under suspicion of sexually assaulting a television journalist by inappropriately touching her buttocks while she was reporting live from the streets of Madrid.
