X Told Chinese Activist Abusive Deepfakes Don't Breach Rules
The Deepfake Abuse
A high-profile Chinese activist in the UK, Apple Peiqing Ni, was inundated with deepfake posts on X portraying her as a sexually promiscuous drug addict. The abuse included 12 posts tagging Ni and containing fake photographs and videos of her.
The Platform's Response
In response to Ni's complaints, X's automated systems said the posts did not breach the platform's rules on harassment or violent speech. A follow-up complaint to the platform's support service was also rejected.
The Data Analysis
- 12 posts were made on X targeting Ni with deepfakes
- The posts included fake photographs and videos of Ni
- The captions described Ni as having 'chronically chaotic sexual relationships' and being a heavy drug user
The Impact Analysis
The saga raises questions over X's internal systems and its ability to protect users from harassment. Ni said she could not understand why X had not immediately acted to protect her from the abuse.
The Prediction
The incident highlights the challenges faced by social media platforms in balancing free speech with the need to protect users from harassment and abuse. It remains to be seen how X will respond to criticism and whether it will change its policies to better protect users like Ni.