Against sexism and misogynism in AI: organizations complain to technology companies

More than two dozen international civil society organizations will call on major technology companies to strengthen their policies on artificial intelligence (AI) to combat the “sexist and misogynistic” misinformation that plagues social networksaccording to the draft of an open letter seen by AFP this Thursday.

The letter, addressed to the CEOs of tech giants Meta, Inexpensive and widely available AI.

“It is evident that these harms are not felt equally,” says the text, signed by 27 digital and human rights organizations, including UltraViolet, GLAAD, the National Organization for Women and MyOwn Image.

“In particular, women, trans people and non-binary people are at particular risk of suffering the adverse effects of AI-based content on social networks,” the document adds.

The letter, which the groups say will be made public on Friday, also makes a dozen recommendations to strengthen policies around this powerful technology.

These include clearly defining the consequences of publishing non-consensual explicit material – which should include the suspension of repeat offenders – and implementing a third-party tool to detect AI-generated images and clearly label them as such.

The groups also demanded a consistent procedure for users to flag and report harmful content and for platforms to conduct comprehensive annual audits of their AI policies.

The letter comes just a month before what is announced as the first US elections under the rise of AI, on November 5. The tight race to the White House has seen an avalanche of misinformation, especially gender-based.

A particular target has been Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who has faced misogynistic and sexist narratives about her status as the first black, South Asian, and female vice president in US history.

“These harms silence us on the internet, violate our right to control our own image, and distort our elections,” said Jenna Sherman, UltraViolet campaign director.

“AI technologies have made it even easier to create and spread online gender-based harassment and abuse,” added Ellen Jacobs, senior manager of US digital policy at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, also a signatory of the letter.

The tech giants did not immediately respond to a request for comment before the letter was published.