With the advent of the digital age and the speed at which technology is changing the way we live, the rise of AI-generated explicit images poses a fresh and unsettling problem, especially for countries like Pakistan and India. With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more and more capable of producing damagingly realistic content, these nations, where women’s rights are already in jeopardy, may face a crisis.
Women already suffer numerous societal obstacles, which this trend may drastically worsen. These difficulties may affect women’s job, education, mental health, and personal safety.
Due to their deeply ingrained customs that place a high emphasis on honour and reputation, Pakistani and Indian cultures are especially susceptible to the negative consequences of artificial intelligence-generated content.
The possibility of such technology being misused for malevolent purposes to damage women’s reputations is a distinct and contemporary risk to their status and dignity. Women already have to negotiate a complicated web of social norms and constraints in these patriarchal settings. Women’s engagement in public and professional life may be further restricted by the anxiety and potential for being targeted by AI-generated explicit content.
Women’s engagement in the labour is declining in India, which is a concerning trend. Women’s employment involvement fell to roughly 25% in 2022 from a record of 35% in 2004. In Pakistan, women make up just 20% of the workforce, making the situation even worse. These numbers demonstrate the substantial obstacles women experience in reaching financial independence and career advancement in addition to reflecting ingrained gender biases and socioeconomic constraints. The rise in AI-generated explicit material may further discourage women from pursuing school or work because of the increased danger of reputational harm, widening the already existent gender disparity in economic participation.
It is impossible to ignore the serious consequences AI-generated abuse has for mental health. Women in India are already twice as likely as males to experience signs of anxiety and despair, making them more vulnerable to mental health problems.
Pakistan has a similar situation, with women experiencing a significantly larger burden of mental health issues. With only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, Pakistan suffers from a serious shortage of mental health resources, according to the World Health Organisation. An already susceptible population may experience more psychological anguish as a result of the trauma and stress brought on by the possible dissemination of explicit information created by AI.
In these civilizations, there is a great deal of concern about the possible spread of AI-generated pictures and the associated risk of increased violence, including honour killings.
Concerningly, over 63,367 gender-based offences were reported in Pakistan in the same year. This includes the horrifying cases of honour killings, in which 1,025 women were murdered. The abuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce and distribute pornographic photographs adds a dangerous layer to the challenges already experienced by women in these societies, where honour and reputation are fiercely and carefully guarded.
Even if AI-generated images turn out to be false, the potential harm to a woman’s reputation might have a significant and lasting impact on her life. Such content can spread quickly and seriously damage a woman’s reputation and personal life in nations where honour is ingrained in society. In the wake of such situations, it can be extremely difficult to rebuild one’s image and honour, especially considering how quickly false information can spread as opposed to retractions or explanations.
Inadequate legal frameworks and social hurdles make addressing the issues raised by AI-generated content in Pakistan and India even more difficult. The Information Technology Act of India and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act of Pakistan are two examples of laws that are unable to keep up with the rapid improvements in AI technology.
It’s critical to understand that technology is not always bad, even with the serious problems brought about by the potential abuse of AI-generated content. By giving women better access to resources, services, and new opportunities for learning and employment, artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to be a very effective tool for empowering women. Protecting women’s rights and dignity can be greatly aided by the development of gender-sensitive AI applications and the creation of safer online environments.
In conclusion, it is critical that the development of AI technology is in line with the principles of justice and equity as we negotiate the complexity of the digital age. The possibility that AI will widen the gender gap in Pakistan and India serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of being watchful and taking preventative action. It is our joint duty to make sure that women’s rights and safety are not compromised by technological advancement.