In a significant move, Google Ad Policy has updated its advertising policies to prohibit the use of AI-generated pornographic content. This decision comes as the technology behind creating synthetic media, including deepfakes and other manipulated imagery, has become increasingly sophisticated and accessible.
The new policy aims to address the growing concerns around the potential misuse of AI-generated content, particularly in the realm of adult material. By banning such content from its advertising platforms, Google is taking a proactive stance to protect users and maintain the integrity of its advertising ecosystem.
AI-Generated Porn
AI-generated porn refers to adult content created using artificial intelligence technology, where AI algorithms are used to produce images and videos tailored to users’ preferences. This technology allows for the customization of sexual stimuli based on specific characteristics or text prompts, enabling the mass production of diverse erotica at reduced costs.
It utilizes advanced machine learning and image production algorithms to create lifelike adult content, ranging from images to increasingly sophisticated videos. This technology, which began with simple images and is evolving towards complex video production, allows users to design AI characters, bringing their fantasies to life through customizable sexual content.
What is Google Ad Policy Update?
Google Ad Policy is a set of guidelines designed to ensure that ads displayed through Google’s advertising services are safe, appropriate, and legal for users. These policies help maintain a trustworthy and transparent digital advertising ecosystem that benefits users, advertisers, and publishers alike.
The policies cover prohibited content, practices, and restricted features, and set quality standards for ads, websites, and apps. Google uses a combination of AI and human review to enforce these policies. Advertisers must also meet specific editorial and technical requirements to ensure that their ads are clear, professional, and user-friendly.
Why Google Decided to Ban AI-Generated Porn?
Google Ad Policy updated its advertising policy to ban the promotion of services that create AI-generated pornographic content for several reasons:
- Protection of Individuals: The policy aims to prevent the distribution of ‘deepfake porn,’ which can cause serious harm to the individuals depicted, often without their consent.
- Legal Compliance: It aligns with laws in various authority that are increasingly recognizing the need for regulation against deepfake pornography.
- Adherence to Ethical Standards: Google has a long-standing policy against sexually explicit ads, and this update extends those restrictions to include synthetic or AI-generated explicit content.
- Prevention of Misuse: The policy prohibits the promotion of websites or applications that provide instructions on creating deepfake pornography, thereby curbing potential misuse.
- Maintaining Ad Integrity: Google uses a combination of human review and machine-based recognition systems to ensure that ads meet their policies, and this update helps maintain the integrity of the advertising ecosystem.
The policy change is set to take effect on May 30, 2024, and reflects Google’s commitment to responsible advertising practices.
How does the Policy Update Affects Advertisers?
The Google update affects advertisers from promoting deepfake porn services in the following ways:
- Removal of Ads: In 2023 Google removed over 100 YouTube videos and over 1.8 billion ads for promoting AI deepfake porn services after Forbes discovered the platform was hosting these videos and ads.
- Policy Enforcement: Google Ad Policy prohibit deceptive or harmful promotion practices, including the use of sexually explicit ads to direct users to download apps or engage in unsolicited promotion via SMS services.
- Account Suspension: Advertisers promoting deepfake porn services may face account suspension or removal from Google Play if they violate these policies.
- Increased Transparency: The update adds a feature to the Performance Max Placement report, revealing the Search Partner Network. This helps advertisers track ad placements, even on problematic sites.
- Accountability: This increased transparency aims to hold advertisers accountable for where their ads are displayed, potentially reducing the spread of deepfake porn services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Google enforce this policy?
Enforcement will be through a combination of human review and machine-based automatic recognition systems.
What happens if an advertiser violates this policy?
Ads that violate the policy will be removed, and egregious violations may result in account suspension without prior warning.
Are there any exceptions to this policy?
The policy does not provide exceptions for the promotion of AI-generated sexually explicit content.
What is the penalty for repeated policy violations?
Repeated violations can lead to permanent suspension of the Google Ads account.
Conclusion
Google’s decision to update its ad policy to ban AI-generated porn reflects a proactive stance in addressing the ethical and societal implications of synthetic media. By prohibiting the use of AI-generated pornographic content on its advertising platforms, Google is taking a crucial step towards safeguarding users from potentially harmful and misleading content.
As AI tools become more complicated and accessible, the risks associated with their misuse, particularly in creating deceptive or explicit content, continue to grow. Google’s proactive approach sets a precedent for other platforms to consider similar measures to protect users and uphold standards of authenticity and trustworthiness in online content.
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