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Is AI porn the next horizon in self-pleasure — and is it ethical?
Is AI porn the next horizon in self-pleasure — and is it ethical?

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Is AI porn the next horizon in self-pleasure — and is it ethical?

The AI revolution is well and truly upon us. As we grapple with the ramifications of generative AI in our professional and personal worlds, it's worth remembering that its impact will be felt in even the most intimate corners of our lives — including our private browsers. Whether you're aware of it or not, AI is coming for the porn industry. Already, there are a number of new genres emerging which make use of generative AI, such as hyper porn, a genre of erotic imagery which stretches the limits of sexuality and human anatomy to hyperbolic new heights (think: a Barbie-esque woman with three giant breasts, instead of two). There are also various iterations of 'gone wild' porn, a subdivision of porn which sees users attempt to 'trick' safe-for-work image generation models like Dall-E into depicting erotic scenes — and enjoying the work-arounds and euphemisms which these tools may use to avoid depicting explicit sex. But it's unlikely AI will wipe out the existence of IRL porn performers. AI porn stretches the fantasy innate within the porn and erotic content industries – materialising flawless avatars tailored to an individual's unique desires out of, seemingly, thin air. For some, this will be a turn-on but for others, it will lack the sweat and grit that makes IRL sex so appealing. 'I think there will be a splitting between people jumping head first into unreality and the people who actually want an antidote to it. We're already seeing such a huge fracturing of reality in our everyday lives,' says Vex Ashley, the porn performer, director, producer and one half of creative pornography project Four Chambers. SEE ALSO: Majority of Gen Z would marry an AI, survey says Ultimately, she insists, there will be a demographic that still hungers for a semblance of real human interaction. 'We'll absolutely see something like a build-your-own-AI custom pornstar who is also your digital girlfriend but I think — despite what people say — for many, sex is an experience they want to be grounded in some kind of authenticity,' Ashley adds. 'Person to person, there's a reason why you want to talk to your favourite pornstar on OnlyFans. I think we'll see a pushback, a rise of amateur, homemade content and in-person sexual events, experiences — something tactile.' While the industry is beginning to grapple with generative AI, the consumer point of view is coming into focus and, for some, it could provoke difficulties – especially for those already struggling with excessive porn use. While sex and relationships therapists tend to be sceptical about the topic of 'porn addiction' — it doesn't appear in diagnostic manuals and it is instead considered to be a form of compulsive sexual behaviour — a whole porn subculture exists around 'gooning': an extreme evolution of orgasm denial which sees individuals, generally cis men, enter into a trance-like state after edging for hours, locked into masturbation sessions with the aid of online porn. Speaking to an anonymous gooner, he shares his view of how AI may impact chronic porn users. SEE ALSO: What is gooning? 'AI porn kind of offers this new version of gooning. What is extremely sexy is typing in every crass thought that you have and immediately seeing it generated as an image.' He describes accessing NSFW generative AI models like Uber Realistic Porn Merge and then downloading different LoRAs (Low-Rank Adaptation — a type of add-on which allows you to quickly fine-tune an AI model) for various angles and scenarios within porn, such as 'reverse anal' or 'deep-throat side view'. 'You try them out and you're like, 'Oh, this is super hot…but I want the characters to be holding hands with a priest!'' From there, the hunger for more and more extreme fantasies can quickly escalate. 'It's bizarre, you tend to end up in this cycle of typing in a scenario, waiting five seconds until it comes up and, from there, chasing different scenarios — like having sex in the subway — that you can't do in real life.' The possibilities of AI to turn an individual's most niche fantasies into tangible images, all at the click of a button, are hugely compelling but, as my interviewee explains, it's also potentially troubling for individuals who may struggle with compulsive porn use. 'Live generation goon sessions will definitely become more popular,' he says. 'I've seen people in Reddit threads who are like, 'I can't stop gooning over AI porn'. I agree — I tasted it and it was fucking addictive.' It's worth noting here that, for anyone who is concerned about their porn consumption (of AI content, or otherwise), you might want to ask yourself questions about whether you want to stop but can't, or if there is a pattern of escalation. Ultimately, if you feel like your porn consumption is spiralling, it's worth reaching out to a therapist specialised in the field of compulsive sexual behaviour or a charity such as Relate, which can offer support around so-called 'porn addiction' (psychotherapists say there is no clinical evidence to support the diagnosis of 'porn addiction'). But as well as holding potential concerns for porn viewers, the rise of AI porn could have a serious knock-on effect for individuals currently working in the porn industry as actors or performers. After all, the obvious appeal of AI is the ability to see images and short-form video that explore hyper-unrealistic fantasies that aren't just impossible in 'real life' but for humans at all (like realistic vampire porn, or convincing erotic alien abduction scenes). For flesh-and-blood individuals working in the erotic industries, the increasing availability of AI — and potential impact on demand for porn featuring real humans — is already providing pause. 'I think it would be naive to say that we won't see huge shifts across all industries, porn and sex have always been right at the forefront of technological advancement,' says Ashley. As with other industries and forms of labour, Ashley explains that there will inevitably be concerns around workers' rights as consumers begin to explore AI-generated imagery. 'We're unfortunately going to see a space long dominated by the labour, skill and ingenuity of women and queer people be flooded with men finally able to achieve the ability to create the image of a person they want to fuck, without needing the person themself,' Ashley explains. While some porn performers are using AI themselves, such as for sexy chatbots, the lack of employment law protections for workers in the industry means they will be especially vulnerable to consumer changes. 'It's going to be a labour rights issue for sex workers who are already so legislatively unprotected compared to other performers in mainstream media,' says Ashley. In addition to these labour rights concerns, AI can be used to create non-consensual explicit deepfakes, prompting serious questions around consumer responsibility. For those who are unfamiliar, non-consensual explicit deepfakes typically consist of an individual's face and likeness being superimposed onto a naked body or an erotic scenario without their knowledge, then distributed online. It goes without saying that this type of material is a major violation of an individual's right to autonomy, privacy, and dignity. As a result, the creation of these images is already due to become illegal in England and Wales, with legislation recently signed to crack down on deepfakes in the U.S. However, as Professor Clare McGlynn, an expert in the legal regulation of pornography, sexual violence, and online abuse explains, the consumption of these images remains unregulated — meaning that they can be viewed without repercussions. 'Viewing sexually explicit deepfakes is not an offence. It is, though, deeply unethical. Survivors experience this abuse as a violation of their bodily and sexual integrity,' she explains. 'Each viewing is a new act of sexual violence, a breach of their consent. That so many are viewing this material should be deeply worrying, as it suggests a large market for non-consensual material.' Thankfully, efforts are being made to bring distributors of sexually explicit deepfakes to account — cutting consumers off from the source. This year, in fact, the figure behind one of the world's best-known non-consensual explicit deepfake sites was identified, and the site in question, MrDeepfakes, shut down. However, more should be done to prevent this kind of abuse from happening, rather than taking down the material once it has already been made and distributed, as Madelaine Thomas, an adult content creator and the founder of Image Angel, a software company which creates invisible watermarks to prevent non-consensual image sharing, attests. 'Social media platforms don't have the infrastructure they need to be able to protect the people on those platforms from content that isn't authentic or isn't captured in the correct way,' Thomas explains. The best-known cases of non-consensual explicit deepfakes involve well-known celebrities, but the scale of the harm is wider than many are aware. The ability to pirate the likeness or body of any individual who has posted photos on the internet has led to an increasing number of victims speaking out about the abuse they have faced over the past few years. In future, it's likely that more and more individuals will sadly be impacted by these crimes, including those in the adult entertainment industry, a demographic who are often victim-blamed when they come forward about instances of sexual abuse. But are there solutions? In the background, work is definitely underway. For example, Image Angel was founded after Thomas's intimate images were distributed without her consent, leading to a passion to prevent this kind of abuse in future — one that is reflected in her company's mission. 'Image Angel adds an invisible forensic watermark to any content that is received on a platform that has our tech installed. For example, if a content creator is sending out multiple nude or suggestive images, they can make sure that whoever receives them will be traceable if they share them,' she explains. While Thomas is keen to emphasise the damage of non-consensual explicit deepfake abuse, she also emphasises that the current AI model for all explicit content is based on the non-consensual extraction of erotic images. 'I work with the Digital Intimacy Coalition, and for years we have been campaigning to get people to understand that generated deepfakes do not solely put one person at the center of the harm,' she explains. 'The customer is none the wiser, but these AI tools are almost like a black hole that we are just seeing the very surface of. There are thousands of people, mostly women, whose images have been fed into these multi-language models. The tools might spit out an image of one person, but that image is comprised of thousands of sex workers' data.' Ultimately, an increased awareness around the potential harms of AI porn may encourage some viewers from taking a more conscientious approach. But we can't just rely on consumers to do the right thing – there needs to be an infrastructure to protect individuals from having their image stolen and misappropriated. For her part, Thomas expects to see more porn and erotic imagery behind the paywall, with in-built technology to prevent content from being fed into AI models. She also expects that AI-poisoning tools, like Nightshade, may well augment in popularity as a way to prevent images and videos from being fed into AI models. Whatever the future holds, it will be a rocky journey for the adult entertainment industry and wider society as we grapple with these nefarious uses of new technology – making it all the more important to listen to porn and adult content creators, fight for survivors of image-based sexual abuse, and campaign for further AI regulation.

Pharma packaging meets tough regulations
Pharma packaging meets tough regulations

Yahoo

time12 hours ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Pharma packaging meets tough regulations

In the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, packaging plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, efficacy, and compliance of medications. It is not just about containing the drug; it serves as a barrier between the product and external factors, such as contaminants, moisture, light, and air. But packaging in the pharmaceutical sector is far more than a protective covering—it must adhere to a stringent set of regulations that vary across countries. These regulations are designed to protect consumers, maintain product integrity, and prevent fraud. As the pharmaceutical sector grows, so too do the complexities surrounding its packaging requirements. Understanding the importance of pharma packaging is vital for manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers alike. For decades, packaging design, materials, and labelling have had to evolve to keep pace with increasing regulatory demands, new drug innovations, and changing consumer expectations. In this article, we'll explore the key regulations governing pharmaceutical packaging and examine how manufacturers are adapting to meet these tough standards. Pharmaceutical packaging is one of the most regulated areas in the entire manufacturing industry. The regulations that govern packaging are designed to ensure that products are safe for use and remain unaltered until they reach the consumer. These regulations focus on various aspects of packaging, including materials, labelling, and traceability. Most importantly, they protect against the risk of counterfeit drugs, a growing concern globally. In the European Union (EU), the regulations for pharmaceutical packaging are primarily governed by the EU's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines. These guidelines cover the entire lifecycle of a drug, from manufacturing to packaging, and require manufacturers to use packaging that maintains the drug's stability, safety, and efficacy. One of the most stringent regulations involves child-resistant packaging. This is required for products that could pose a poisoning risk, such as medicines containing high doses of analgesics, paracetamol, or opioids. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a central role in overseeing pharmaceutical packaging regulations. The FDA enforces regulations concerning the packaging materials used in pharmaceuticals, ensuring that packaging does not interfere with the drug's quality. Similarly, the FDA's Drug Approval Process includes extensive testing for packaging to ensure that it meets requirements for tamper-evidence, labelling accuracy, and stability. Countries outside the EU and the US also have their own regulatory frameworks. Japan, for example, mandates that drug packaging must feature detailed instructions and warnings in both Japanese and English. Packaging regulations in China focus on the durability of materials, while India's packaging requirements include anti-counterfeit measures like holographic seals and track-and-trace systems. Navigating the complexity of these varying standards presents a challenge for global pharmaceutical companies. With the rise in global drug counterfeiting, pharmaceutical packaging has evolved to include several security features designed to protect consumers and ensure product authenticity. Packaging plays an instrumental role in preventing tampering, ensuring that medications reach consumers in their original, unaltered state. Tamper-evident features are a critical component of pharmaceutical packaging. These features make it apparent if a product has been opened or altered in any way. Common tamper-evident mechanisms include seals, shrink bands, breakable caps, and special adhesive labels. For instance, a bottle with a tamper-evident seal will show visible signs of damage if someone tries to open it. These features are essential to preventing fraud, which can lead to serious public health risks, including the distribution of counterfeit or substandard drugs. Beyond tamper evidence, the growing concern over counterfeiting has led to the incorporation of high-tech security features such as holograms, QR codes, and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags. These innovations not only serve as a deterrent to counterfeiters but also allow for the traceability of medications from manufacturing to the point of sale. The track-and-trace system, mandated in some regions, enables regulators and pharmaceutical companies to trace a drug's path along the supply chain, ensuring that the product is authentic and has been stored and handled appropriately. As the pharmaceutical industry continues to face growing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, packaging is one area where significant improvements are being made. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly exploring ways to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and use more sustainable materials while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. One of the primary concerns regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical packaging is the excessive use of plastic. Packaging waste, particularly from single-use plastic bottles and blister packs, contributes to environmental pollution. In response, many companies are now adopting eco-friendly alternatives, such as recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials. Some companies have even moved towards using plant-based plastics, which reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute less to pollution. In addition to choosing sustainable materials, manufacturers are focusing on improving packaging designs to minimise waste. For instance, reducing the size of packaging or opting for more compact designs helps to lower material consumption and the energy needed for production and transport. The growing use of minimalist packaging also aligns with broader sustainability trends and consumer demand for greener products. Regulations governing the environmental impact of packaging are already in place in many regions. The EU, for example, has introduced the Waste Framework Directive, which aims to reduce packaging waste and encourage the use of recycled materials. The directive is part of a broader effort to transition towards a circular economy, where resources are reused and recycled rather than disposed of. Pharmaceutical companies must navigate these regulations while ensuring that their packaging continues to meet safety and compliance standards. Pharmaceutical packaging is a critical part of ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and compliance of medications. From tamper-evident features to sustainable packaging solutions, pharmaceutical companies must adhere to an array of regulations that vary by region and product. These regulations are designed not only to protect consumers but also to ensure that drugs maintain their integrity from the manufacturer to the patient. As the global demand for medicines continues to grow, the pharmaceutical industry will face new challenges in packaging. However, with innovations in materials, security features, and sustainability, the industry is likely to evolve in ways that continue to prioritise both consumer safety and environmental responsibility. With regulatory bodies remaining vigilant and the rise of technology offering new solutions, pharmaceutical packaging will undoubtedly continue to meet tough regulations for years to come. "Pharma packaging meets tough regulations" was originally created and published by Packaging Gateway, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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