AI needs 'guardrails' after fake explicit images of Taylor Swift go viral on X: Microsoft CEO

More “guardrails” are needed for artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, says Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, after AI-produced explicit, pornographic images of pop star Taylor Swift went viral.

In an exclusive interview with NBC News’ Lester Holt, Nadella argued that it’s “our responsibility” to manage the emerging technology.

“I’d say two things. One is again, I go back to I think … what is our responsibility? Which is all of the guardrails that we need to place around the technology so that there’s more safe content that’s being produced and there’s a lot to be done there and not being done there,” he said in the interview set to air in full Tuesday on NBC Nightly News.

“But it is about global, societal … convergence on certain norms … especially when you have law and law enforcement and tech platforms that can come together," Nadella added. “I think we can govern a lot more than we think we give ourselves credit for.”

The deepfake images of Swift, which went viral on X, formerly Twitter, were traced back to a Telegram group chat, where members said they used Microsoft's generative-AI tool, Designer, to create the material, according to 404 Media.

Nadella didn't comment directly on 404 Media's report but said in a statement to 404 Media that Microsoft was investigating the reports and would take appropriate action.  

“Our Code of Conduct prohibits the use of our tools for the creation of adult or non-consensual intimate content, and any repeated attempts to produce content that goes against our policies may result in loss of access to the service," Microsoft said. "We have large teams working on the development of guardrails and other safety systems in line with our responsible AI principles, including content filtering, operational monitoring and abuse detection to mitigate misuse of the system and help create a safer environment for users.” 

Taylor Swift’s supporters, known as “Swifties,” reported the photos and posted hashtags with more positive images of the singer, The Associated Press reported.