Stanford uses AI to race swap students in picture

Stanford University is under fire for violating its own artificial intelligence policy when it altered a photo to replace a Hispanic man with a black woman.The Stanford Review posted the original dining hall photo from Stanford Residential & Dining Enterprises, showing three students at a dining hall carrying plates of food: one Asian woman, a white man, and a Hispanic man.Stanford student Billy Ramirez said a friend sent him the altered image, which he said was displayed on a banner. “At first, I found it hilarious that they had used AI to completely change our appearances, including my race and gender,” Ramirez told the Stanford Review. “But after looking at the comparison, I was also upset because I don’t agree with Stanford making those choices about how we were represented,” Ramirez continued. “Seeing my identity changed and being left out of the picture made me feel, in a way, silenced and erased from a representation that was supposed to include me.”The altered image not only changed Ramirez into an AI-generated black woman but also altered the appearances of the other two students. The Asian student appeared with a slimmer face, and her clothing was altered to make the “Stanford” lettering on her sweatshirt more visible.The white student is shown with darker hair and a slightly different face shape. His headphones, which were around his neck, were removed from the photo. The placement of the photo on the banner also blocked the view of a chain he was wearing in the original picture. “We have reviewed the matter and confirmed that AI was used to alter the image in violation of university policy,” a Stanford spokesperson told the Washington Examiner. “The banners with the image in question have been removed. Stanford’s AI policy is clear: The use of AI in producing or altering images of Stanford people, events, research, facilities, or achievements is strictly prohibited. Both the alteration and lack of disclosure in this case violate that policy. We are working to provide additional training for all staff and ensure proper review of all materials.”MOORE POSITS MARYLAND AS A FRAMEWORK FOR OTHER STATES BUILDING AI REGULATIONSThe school’s AI policy also says written permission must be obtained before “using an individual’s name, image, voice, or likeness (including realistic or recognizable AI-generated depictions or imitations) in published content.”“Do not create content that depicts, impersonates, or closely resembles a real person (including public figures, students, employees, donors, or alumni) without appropriate authorization and required clearances,” it said.