AI-generated 'poverty porn' fake images being used by aid agencies

11 hours ago

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AI-generated images of extreme poverty, children, and sexual violence survivors are increasingly used by health NGOs, raising ethical concerns.
These images often replicate and exaggerate stereotypes, such as children in muddy water or racialized depictions of poverty.
The use of AI-generated images is driven by cost savings and avoiding consent issues, especially amid NGO budget cuts.
Stock photo sites like Adobe Stock and Freepik host dozens of such images, some with racialized and stereotypical captions.
Freepik's CEO argues that responsibility lies with media consumers, not platforms, though efforts are made to curb biases.
Leading charities, including Plan International and the UN, have used AI-generated images in campaigns, sparking backlash.
Critics warn that biased AI images could perpetuate stereotypes and amplify prejudice in future AI models.
NGOs like Plan International have since adopted guidelines against using AI to depict individual children.

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