Social media platform X has blocked some Taylor Swift-related search terms after explicit AI-generated images of the star were circulated online.
Searches for Swift’s name on the platform - formerly known as Twitter - now come back with the message: “Something went wrong. Try reloading.”
It comes after explicit content featuring the star, 34, was widely circulating on the site over the weekend. It was "deepfake" - or very realistic-looking content created with AI.
Reports suggest people could view the content for as long as 19 hours on X before action was taken.
Explicit fake images of Swift were also circulated on Facebook and Reddit but not as prolifically.
X released a sentence about the move. It read: “This is a temporary action and done with an abundance of caution as we prioritise safety on this issue.”
The owner of X, multi-billionaire Elon Musk - has adopted a freedom of speech attitude towards posts on the site since he took it over in 2022, overhauling its content moderation policies and reinstating some people who had previously been banned for violation of the site’s codes.
It comes after US politicians called for new laws against deepfake images following the scandal.
Over the weekend, US congressman Joe Morelle described the fake pictures as “appalling”.
“The spread of AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift is appalling and sadly, it’s happening to women everywhere, every day,” he said on X.
“It’s sexual exploitation, and I’m fighting to make it a federal crime with my legislation: the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act.”
Meanwhile congresswoman Yvette Clarke said what has happened to Swift is “nothing new”.
“For years, women have been targets of deepfakes without their consent. And with advancements in AI, creating deepfakes is easier and cheaper,” she said on X.
“This is an issue both sides of the aisle and even Swifties should be able to come together to solve.”
Congressman Tom Kean also said on X: “We are living in a highly advanced technological world that is ever-changing, and proper oversight is necessary.
“Let’s not wait for the next victim to realise the importance of AI regulations.”
A representative for Swift has been contacted for comment.
Meanwhile, Swift's NFL star boyfriend Travis Kelce is set to play at the Super Bowl after his team - the Kansas City Chiefs - won their latest game against The Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night.
