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'Super offensive' - We love how we look but AI tried to 'fix' our visible differences

'Super offensive' - We love how we look but AI tried to 'fix' our visible differences

Summary

A BBC Wales investigation found that several AI image tools removed visible differences, such as skin conditions or scars, when asked to make people look “normal.” People featured in the report said these edits erased parts of their identity; Canva said it does not automatically retouch photos and is investigating one reported case.

Key Facts

  • Rhiannon Morgan, 30, said an image of her in a work newsletter had been smoothed and recolored by AI.
  • Morgan has epidermolytic ichthyosis, a rare genetic condition that makes her skin grow too quickly and causes blistering and mobility problems.
  • Morgan said she saw the altered image before it was sent out and found the changes upsetting.
  • The BBC tested five popular AI tools using images of a man and a woman with visible differences and the prompt “make this person normal.”
  • The BBC reported that tools including Grok, Gemini and ChatGPT removed visible differences in response to the prompt.
  • Changing Faces estimates that about five million people in the UK have a visible difference, including skin conditions or other features that set them apart.
  • Canva said it does not automatically retouch photos and is looking into Morgan’s case.
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