The models who found their likenesses had been used in AI propaganda

Models have discovered that their likenesses were used in AI-generated propaganda videos without their consent, particularly in support of authoritarian regimes like that of Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré. The London-based company Synthesia, which specializes in creating lifelike AI videos, has faced backlash after its technology was misused to produce deepfake content. Models such as Mark Torres and Connor Yeates expressed feelings of violation and anxiety upon learning their images were used to promote military rule and misinformation. Synthesia, which has achieved "unicorn" status with significant investments, claims to have banned the accounts responsible for the misuse and improved its moderation processes. However, the models were unaware of the videos until contacted by the media, raising concerns about the lack of safeguards and the potential for reputational damage. The situation has prompted discussions about the ethical implications of AI in creative industries, leading to strikes by actors in the U.S. and proposed legislation aimed at protecting individuals from unauthorized use of their likenesses. Despite Synthesia's assurances, the models feel betrayed and worry about the long-term consequences of their images being associated with propaganda.

- Models' likenesses were used in AI-generated propaganda without consent.

- Synthesia's technology has been misused, leading to significant backlash.

- Affected individuals reported feelings of violation and anxiety.

- The incident has sparked discussions on ethical AI use in creative industries.

- Proposed legislation aims to protect individuals from unauthorized likeness use.