On Thursday, a coalition of professionals and advocates from the adult industry drew attention to a crucial oversight in the discussions surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) regulations spilling from the European Commission. These industry insiders—comprising sex workers, erotic filmmakers, sex educators, and technologists—assert that their roles and perspectives are being dangerously sidelined in matters that directly affect them. Notably, they argue that discussions on AI technology have significant implications not just for regulation but also for their livelihoods, and yet their voices are often muted when it comes to vital negotiations that could restructure the industry’s future.
The open letter, accessible to the public and seen by WIRED, underscores a notable absence of representation in deliberations on AI policies, which the group insists is a “critical gap.” The collective includes organizations and individuals such as the renowned erotic filmmaker Erika Lust and the European Sex Workers’ Rights Alliance, along with the Open Mind AI initiative. The diverse array of stakeholders involved highlights the multifaceted nature of the adult industry and the importance of holistic discussions that recognize its complexity.
As AI technology rapidly advances, its implications for the adult industry are manifold. Not only does the technology shape consumer experiences, but it also introduces significant risks. According to Ana Ornelas, an erotic author and educator known by her pseudonym Pimenta Cítrica, the evolution of AI presents opportunities for enhanced representation of diverse sexualities and fantasies. However, this progress is shadowed by unprecedented challenges, particularly concerning the rise of deepfake technology—an alarming phenomenon where nonconsensual pornographic content is proliferated, predominantly featuring women and girls.
A staggering 96% of deepfakes are reported to involve this type of nonconsensual material, inflicting not just emotional trauma but tangible harm on those depicted, who are often performers in the adult industry themselves. Ornelas articulates the dual threat that this represents, not only impinging on the dignity and rights of the individuals targeted but also endangering the livelihoods of sex workers and performers. Such realities illustrate the urgent need for inclusive dialogue in AI regulation that genuinely encompasses the industry’s nuances.
The European Commission has recently introduced what it claims to be the world’s first comprehensive AI legislation. While the intention behind this initiative appears commendable, the disconnect between policymakers and adult industry professionals raises alarm bells. As industry insiders have pointed out, insufficient understanding of the unique aspects of adult content could lead to harsh censorship that would suppress legitimate creators alongside nonconsensual material. Ornelas raises a critical concern about the potential for such legislation to inadvertently push individuals toward unregulated AI platforms devoid of oversight, where harmful material could thrive unchecked.
With the momentum of legislative changes afoot, the importance of industry collaboration with regulators cannot be overstated. The coalition advocates that their inclusion would equip policymakers with essential insights necessary for crafting regulations that are not simply punitive but instead preserve fundamental rights and promote a more constructive dialogue surrounding sexual expression online.
Industry professionals stress the need for a comprehensive approach to AI regulations that genuinely considers the perspectives of those most affected. They emphasize that existing frameworks often overlook the realities of adult workers and the potential consequences of their exclusion. Paulita Pappel, an adult filmmaker and organizer of the initiative, poignantly articulates the ongoing struggles faced due to sweeping legislative measures that do not take into account their lived experiences. The call for awareness is clear; policies must protect freedom and ensure equity in representation.
Ultimately, as technology challenges traditional narratives and frameworks, the necessity for diverse voices within policy-making becomes increasingly apparent. Ignoring the perspectives of adult industry professionals, who are navigating the dual realities of innovation and regulation, could lead to misguided initiatives that ultimately harm rather than help. The time for conversation, inclusion, and understanding is now—before complacency solidifies gaps that could affect countless lives within the industry.
Leave a Reply