Amnesty told Gizmodo that they used an artificial intelligence image generator to depict human rights abuses to preserve the anonymity of vulnerable protesters. However, experts say that the use of technology can undermine the credibility of human rights groups – they are already besieged by authoritarian governments that question the authenticity of real images.

Amnesty creates images

The debate began when Amnesty International’s regional account in Norway posted three photos to mark the second anniversary of a major protest in Colombia where police brutalized protesters and committed serious human rights violations.

In one picture you can see a crowd of policemen wearing bulletproof vests, and in the other a policeman with a red mark on his face. Another shows a female protester being taken away by the police.

The “photos” created have clear indications that they are artificial creations. In addition, they were all given a small note in the lower left corner saying “The drawings were created by artificial intelligence”.

Reaction

Commentators reacted negatively. Many expressed concern that Amnesty is using a technology most commonly associated with bizarre artwork and memes to portray human rights abuses.

Amnesty said it decided to use artificial intelligence to depict events “without endangering anyone present”. Amnesty International says it has consulted with partner organizations in Colombia and ultimately decided to use technology as an alternative to showing protesters their true face to protect privacy.

Many who participated in the National Strike covered their faces for fear of pressure and stigma by the state security forces. Highlights are still endangered, and some are persecuted by Colombian authorities.
– Said the representative of Amnesty.

Critics of this approach believe that human rights violators can use AI imagery to discredit real claims. Experts Human Rights Watch criticized Amnesty, saying that productive use of AI could set an alarming precedent and further undermine the credibility of human rights defenders. They believe Amnesty’s AI images do more harm than good.