OKC Woman Advocates For Protections Against Deep Fakes Created With AI Technology

Artificial Intelligence is here to stay – and it can affect your privacy. AI can take photos and create images of something that never happened.  

Oklahoma lawmakers are working on new legislation to protect people. 

The inspiration came from an Oklahoma City woman. She pushed lawmakers to address revenge porn in 2016 after an experience changed her life. 

The interview chair is a vulnerable space. Oklahoma City resident Heaven Taylor found the courage to share her story to help others.  

“The worst seconds are the first ten,” Taylor said. “Once [the camera] starts rolling and you realize, ‘wow it really wasn’t that hard’, there’s a lot of empowerment in that too.” 

Taylor experienced online harassment with revenge porn.  

“It was somebody who I’d previously had a relationship with,” Taylor said. 

Taylor inspired Senate Bill 1257 which was passed into law in 2016. The law stiffened the penalties for people who share sensitive photos to harass a person online. 

“When I’m backed into a corner, I’m not gonna be there for long,” Taylor said. “I’m definitely gonna come out swinging.” 

Taylor wants to expand on this law to protect against new technology -- artificial intelligence. Taylor said people can use AI to steal people’s photos and create fake content. 

“Essentially create an image of something happening that never happened,” Taylor said. 

Lawmakers heard her concerns. Lawmakers like House Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, are working to create an amendment to include AI in the current revenge porn law 

“She has a voice, and she is using her platform to stand up for so many people,” Dollens said. “As technology advances, we have to update statutes to ensure that our constituents remain safe.” 

Taylor was raised by a journalist and she desires accountability.  

“I’ve been asking questions since I was ten months old,” said. “We have to be able to work quickly to draft legislation that protects people. That’s never wasted effort.” 

The interview Taylor recorded now, she believes, will influence the change of tomorrow. 

“If we just show basic human kindness. That goes such a long way,” Taylor said.