Meta Probes AI Abuse Targeting Disabled People

Meta is currently investigating numerous AI-generated social media accounts appearing on its platform that sexualize disabled individuals. The BBC brought attention to dozens of profiles displaying AI-generated images of women with disabilities, including conditions like Down's syndrome and vitiligo. Some of these accounts have rapidly gained hundreds of thousands of followers in a short period.

Disability advocates have expressed profound distress, with Kamran Mallick of Disability Rights UK stating that such accounts 'fetishise, mock, or monetise the identities of disabled people.' He further criticized the weaponization of technology to strip disabled individuals of their agency and dignity. Medical charities also voiced concerns, calling the portrayal of individuals with disabilities for entertainment 'morally reprehensible.'

Researchers highlight the widespread availability of generative AI tools, noting that some can generate hypersexualized images of disabled people unintentionally, indicating bias in the training data. Regulators like Ofcom are tracking AI's risks, emphasizing that platforms must enforce terms of service against harmful content and protect users. Meta has stated it is investigating and removes content violating its policies, but experts suggest moderation is insufficient and big tech must be held accountable.