While AI sexting is a growing sensation across social media platforms, a gamut of safety concerns associated with AI sexting cannot be shunted aside. While AI systems are getting so advanced that their capabilities are becoming increasingly human-like-even when it comes to AI sexting-the risks concerning data privacy, consent, and security are not something to be trifled with. According to McAfee's 2023 report, 68% of AI-driven platforms suffered data breaches or hacking attempts, thus showing vulnerabilities in systems that handle sensitive and intimate user information. The financial impact of these breaches averages $4.35 million per incident, according to IBM's annual cost of a data breach report.
One of the biggest safety concerns surrounding ai sexting has to do with the collection and storing of personal data. While AI platforms require access to user inputs for customization, there is always the associated risk of a potential compromise of privacy. Most users do not fully comprehend how much data is collected or what its handling policy will be. In fact, according to a survey carried out by Forbes in 2022, only 56% of all users on AI-driven platforms claimed complete understanding of the platforms' privacy policies, a situation which highly raises questions on informed consent and protection of data. Encryption and good data storage practices will have to be foregrounded for the platforms to ensure safety, but even these are not bulletproof.
Another crucial issue at play is consent. While in real-life sexting, limits and consent can always be negotiated between the two parties in real time, AI lacks holistic understanding of consent. The thing is, AI systems can only respond based on their pre-programmed input and algorithms. That means it cannot read some very complex emotional cues or sudden changes in consent. As Elon Musk pointed out, "AI doesn't have a good understanding of human emotions-which is particularly dangerous in sensitive areas." The problem with ai sexting is that it ensures ethical and consensual interactions are problematic because it's about the technology rather than emotional intelligence.
Legal frameworks that regulate AI sexting lag. While data privacy laws, like the GDPR of the EU and CCPA in the U.S., provide some measure of protection, the actual enforcement of this is indeed spotty. Companies found in violation of the latter face fines of up to 4% of their global revenue. Still, many of these platforms, especially smaller ones, operate in disregard of the latter set of regulations. According to The New York Times, a 2023 article identified that the growth in AI technologies is happening faster than the regulatory processes can keep up with and has so far put users at risk.
The technology in ai sexting is meant to bring users closer to someone. This may be something that can bring emotional danger. The BBC reported in 2022 that one-third of users suffered emotional damage after engaging in AI companionship. This shows the emotional risks associated with seeking intimate engagement through AI. While AI can create some sense of emotional rapport, it is not a replacement for empathy and understanding in real human relationships. Often, people find themselves quite alone or even emotionally abused as a result.
For additional information on the safety of sexting AI, see sexting AI.