To the Editor:
Randy Page of the Palmetto Family Alliance raised an important concern in his recent column, “More safeguards needed to protect SC families from AI exploitation”, about the growing risks artificial intelligence tools pose to women and children.
The recent investigation involving AI-generated images of high school girls in our state shows how quickly this technology can be misused. What may begin as a manipulated image created by a bad actor can quickly turn into humiliation and harassment that follows victims for years.
Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, but safeguards are not always keeping pace. When powerful tools can be used to create sexualized images of real people, including our children, policymakers have a responsibility to take a closer look.
South Carolina has long taken seriously its responsibility to protect families and children. That commitment should extend to new technologies that can be weaponized against them.
Attorney General Alan Wilson and members of the Legislature have an opportunity to ensure South Carolina remains proactive in protecting victims and holding platforms accountable when safeguards fail.
Responsible innovation and public safety should go hand in hand.
Sloan Russell
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina