GitHub Plans to Ban Dubious Deepfake Creation Projects

GitHub has published proposed changes to its rules regarding the hosting of projects that can be used to create fake multimedia content for purposes such as revenge porn and disinformation. These changes are currently in draft form and open for public discussion for 30 days (until May 20).

The updated GitHub Terms of Service now include a paragraph prohibiting the hosting of projects designed to synthesize or manipulate multimedia content to create non-consensual intimate images (NCII) and content intended to mislead or spread disinformation. The ban also extends to projects that encourage, promote, or support such systems.

The reason for this ban is the increasing use of artificial intelligence systems capable of generating realistic images, audio, and video not only for creative purposes but also for abuse, such as creating deepfakes and organizing spam calls.

At the same time, GitHub representatives intend to take a lenient approach toward dual-use projects that are not directly intended for abuse and do not endorse harmful applications, but which could potentially be misused by malicious actors. Response measures will be chosen based on the nature of the projects, distinguishing between unlawful and legitimate uses.