The potential of generative AI is undeniable, as is the potential for abuse. Since the arrival of the first applications using AI to create images, it was obvious that they were going to be used for malicious purposes; In a very short time, the Android and iOS app stores were filled with apps for undressing women, who only needed a photo to work their “magic”.
Although applications for removing clothes were banned by Google and Appleofficials found a way to access users’ cell phones without having to jump through hoops; They benefit from another application which has also had its share of controversies: Telegram.
Since its CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France, Telegram has announced several changes with which it intends to demonstrate its collaboration with justice, including sharing user data with the police. However, the platform still hosts potentially illegal content and, as revealed Wired
Telegram hosts dozens of “bots” capable of creating images of naked people using AI, from real photographs; Some of these “bots” take advantage of a little-known Telegram feature called “Mini Apps” to earn money each time they create a nude photo without permission. Other “robots” claim to be able to put anyone in a porn moviechanging the face of the actor or actress to that of the victim.
Telegram “bots” are automated users, capable of responding when the user types specific commands; Bots are normally associated with a channel, as they are used within these forums, but they can also be used independently. The investigation of Wired revealed that at least 25 of these bot-associated channels have more than 3 million users in total.
The “robots” tout their ability to undress any woman, sometimes using photographs of models altered to make it appear as if their clothes have been removed. However, the process is not free; Most “bots” require the use of “tokens”, which are obtained with Telegram Stars, virtual currencies that can be purchased directly in the application or in the Apple and Google application stores. SO, Telegram not only hosts these platforms, it also monetizes them
Other “bots” take advantage of a Telegram function, the “mini applications”, which are essentially web pages adapted to the mobile screen, which start when the user uses the “bot”. In this way, managers can redirect the user to their own app, from where they can charge the user directly for creating nude photos.
As usual, these “robots” and “mini-apps” that promise to be able to undress a woman are actually a scam. The only thing the function does is replace covered body parts with images obtained from a database of naked women; In other words, the AI doesn’t really “undress” the woman in the photo, it just puts parts taken from other women on her. However, the psychological effect of this practice and its use for “harassment” and harassment is well known and documented, as in the case of Almendralejo.
Although Telegram claims to have removed “bots” and channels identified by WiredEL ESPAÑOL – El Androide Libre was able to independently confirm that it is still possible to find and use many similar or identical “bots”.