Creeps Are Using AI to Undress Celebrities in Paparazzi Shots for Clicks

Online hackers are employing AI technology to create deceptive images of male celebrities appearing shirtless, often for the purpose of gaining attention and views. Sarah Hagi first brought this concerning trend to light earlier in the week. The process involves taking existing paparazzi photographs of the celebrities and digitally altering them to make the men look shirtless and muscular.

These synthetic images are then republished as if they are fresh, genuine photos. The act is likely unauthorized and raises significant ethical concerns. One recurring subject of these AI-manipulated photos is Callum Turner, a British actor and husband of pop star Dua Lipa. An X account called "UKViewTIme" has posted several AI-altered photos of Turner and Lipa strolling together in New York City.

While the altered images depict Lipa in a long coat and pants, the original photos reveal her wearing a shirt and pants. Turner, on the other hand, is shown shirtless in the manipulated images, despite being clothed in the real-life photos. Another post, published by an account named "BiTheWay," features images of the "Stranger Things" star Noah Schnapp and actor Sheridan Townsley walking together.

In the AI-altered version, both men appear shirtless, but the original photos show them wearing shirts and jackets. To add a veneer of authenticity to their creations, the perpetrators go to great lengths to maintain the appearance of tattoos and other distinctive features. For instance, AI-generated images of Harry Styles show him with his distinctive tattoos intact, even when he is depicted shirtless.

The manipulations can be difficult to discern because many of the images are largely genuine. However, if you ever find yourself questioning why Dua Lipa is dressed in a long coat while her husband looks shirtless, the answer likely lies in the fact that you are viewing an image altered by AI.