Mid-journey men with fake pictures Of Justin Brown.
The American artist, creator of the offending images, which portray politicians in compromising situations, defends himself against the accusations by declaring his willingness to fight the generative AI used irresponsibly and potentially harmful. The images in question are part of the series titled by Brown himself ‘AI will revolutionize the blackmail industry‘.
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According to Brown, the intent, which probably was not captured by Midjourney, was to demonstrate how easy it was with the help of artificial intelligence to promote the spread of fake news and, therefore, blackmail people with completely false.
In this ideological dispute, the well-known platform has taken a clear position and has decided to block the artist’s account.
An episode that makes us reflect on the ethical implications of the use of AI, especially in view of the US presidential elections scheduled for 2024.
Let’s find out why together Midjourney bans fake images and the case of Justin Brown.
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Midjourney bans fake images: the case of Justin Brown
I impostor created by Brown on Midjourney feature various political figures, including some candidates for the 2024 US presidential election.
Joe Biden is on the podium along with former President Donald Trump, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Florida governor Ron DeSantis.
In these artfully created images, US politicians have been portrayed in piquant scenes: the artist, in fact, attempts to catch the country’s most prominent personalities red-handed, in a completely imaginary version.
An act that was considered dangerous by Midjourney as they have the potential effect of undermining the honor of election candidates. A gesture considered execrable because it is harmful to American democracy and to all the democracies of the world.
Mid-trip bans fake images of Justin Brown only after he published the offending photos on third-party sites – Reddit and Twitter – taking into account the nature of the two platforms and the wide range of transmission of the images.
Midjourney bans fake images: the ban does not prevent the diffusion of the offending images
Although Midjourney ran for cover against Brown’s damaging action, the images are still circulating on the web. The ban, in fact, prevents the same account from generating images but does not prevent the dissemination of those already created.
Brown himself points out, in an interview with PetaPixel, how “the series gained visibility on Reddit although it was removed, moments after the news of the ban imposed by Midjourney”.
Action that is incredible for the author of the controversial gesture which, according to him, should actually invite reflection on the issue of fake news. Brown claims, in fact, that in the past he has been the subject of requests for blocking for offensive words and controversial figures but that he had never been banned for his creativity.
Midjourney bans fake images: Brown’s revolution against AI
In Brown’s story to PetaPixel, his aversion to the ‘ill-considered’ use of theGenerative AI. The artist’s goal, as you have repeatedly stated, is to raise public awareness of the disinformation fueled by artificial intelligence.
The equation for Brown is simple: “When used intelligently and intentionally, AI can be a weapon.”
This is the thread he released via Twitter the day of the news of the Midjourney ban.
“AI images or videos – continues Brown – used at the right time could collapse the market, cause a riot or make someone enter a pizzeria with a gun”.
And if it is true, as he maintains, that his was an ecumenical attempt to evangelize the masses, the images must exactly pose a threat. The only way to succeed in the experiment was to focus on men of power placed in compromising contexts.
Justin Brown banned from Midjourney opens debates and controversies
The artist via Twitter claims that the photos didn’t have to be of excellent quality to be credible. As demonstrated by the offending photos themselves, in fact, the influential figures are portrayed in blurred scenarios.
In this way Brown claims the credibility underlying completely false and baseless images.
And this is why the same, arguing, says that he would have preferred not to be banned and at the same time recognizes the need to make those who are ready to produce malicious content through generative AI responsible.
Brown’s controversy doesn’t stop there: the artist states with disappointment that the images were removed after months, too late compared to the collapse of credibility that could have involved the subjects portrayed in the impostor Images.
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What are the scenarios of generative AI and what are the possible implications?
A fascinating but at the same time controversial application of generative AI. Theme that has made and will cause discussion especially regarding the ethical implications and possible damages of digital art.
A case that has caused discussion, in fact, is that relating to the creation of realistic images of old people dead famous people to understand how they would be today if they were alive.
Using these images, without the consent of the deceased, may appear disrespectful to some while, to others, it may be a worthy way to honor the legacy of these well-known personalities.
Brown’s irreverence today raises discussions about the use of images for political purposes as well as commercial purposes, perhaps through the use of images of now deceased characters who sponsor products. Entirely plausible scenarios.
It is no coincidence, in fact, that after the Brown case many countries have decided to discuss the possibility of launching it laws and regulations on the labeling of photos produced through artificial intelligence. And it is not obvious that the Vatican was the first to recently publish a handbook on the ethics of AI.
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