Ex-US Marine Taylor Gunner, who transitioned from a military career to becoming a saucier star, is using her platform to raise awareness about the potential dangers of deepfake technology. Gunner, now 29 years old, turned to making adult films after her explicit photos were leaked online by an ex-boyfriend. Now, as an advocate for victims of revenge porn, Gunner warns that deepfakes, fueled by advanced artificial intelligence (AI), are changing the industry.
Deepfakes refer to manipulated videos and images that use AI algorithms to create incredibly realistic and often deceptive content. Gunner acknowledges the impressive advancements in AI technology but also believes that there will always be something slightly off about deepfakes, enabling people to differentiate between real and manipulated content. However, she emphasizes that the rate of technological development has surprised many in the past decade, and the future of deepfake technology remains uncertain.
The traumatic experience that led Gunner to her career shift began when she and her then-boyfriend explored partner swapping. Without Gunner’s consent, he created a Twitter account and shared her intimate pictures with the world. Initially shocked and displeased, Gunner found herself growing curious about others’ perceptions of her explicit photos. The positive feedback she received eventually led her to embrace making adult content online as her full-time profession, enabling her to leave behind her previous jobs.
While Gunner acknowledges her initial dissatisfaction with her photos being leaked, she describes the experience of creating adult content as a healing process. Despite the controversy and risks associated with revenge porn, she has found personal empowerment through her work.
As deepfake technology continues to evolve, Gunner’s concerns reflect the broader implications for society. The potential for manipulated content to deceive and harm individuals raises important questions about privacy, consent, and the impact of AI on various industries, including adult entertainment.
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by deepfakes, Gunner’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding individuals against revenge porn and the need for stronger protection for victims. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to address the potential risks and establish regulations and preventive measures to ensure the responsible use of such technologies.
While deepfakes may have the power to transform industries and present unique challenges, Gunner’s story demonstrates both the individual and societal impacts that emerge from navigating and adapting to these new technological frontiers.
