A ban on artificial intelligence tools that allow users to digitally undress women and children is supported by almost 8 in 10 Brits, a poll shows. It comes as the idea is mooted in a policy paper by the Labour Together think tank. The poll, commissioned by CARE, asked participants if:

'Websites and apps that use AI to simulate sexually explicit content such as undressing women and children should be banned by the government.'

Seven in ten respondents strongly agreed (69%) and one in ten (10%) somewhat agreed. The number of respondents who strongly agreed rises to almost 8 in 10 (75%) discounting those who preferred not to answer.

Louise Davies, Director of Advocacy and Policy at CARE, said:

“Last year it was estimated that links advertising ‘nudification’ tools increased by 2,400%. This sinister tech allows users to digitally undress women and children in photographs. Some platforms also allow users to create new pornographic videos where subjects appear to do whatever the user asks.

“This tech dehumanises women and girls. And deepfake images, often created and shared without consent, cause serious mental and physical distress to victims. A ban is supported by the public at large, and it is the morally right course of action. We would urge Labour to officially adopt this proposal."

ENDS

Polling headline findings:

69% of respondents strongly agree with the government banning websites and apps that use AI to simulate sexually explicit content such as undressing women and children.

This number rises to 75% strongly agreeing, discounting those who preferred not to answer.

10% somewhat agree, 2% somewhat disagree, 3% strongly disagree, and 9% don't know.

57% of 18–24-year-olds strongly agree, vs 73% of 65+.

60% of men strongly agree vs 73% of women.

Methodology Note: Whitestone Insight interviewed 1,203 GB adults online from 2nd-5th February 2024. Data were weighted to be representative of all adults. Whitestone Insight is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.

About CARE

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives.

Contact us: press@care.org.uk