AI is More Than ChatGPT: It is a Ticking Time Bomb for Women – Torch – St. John’s University

Photo Courtesy / Unsplash Melanie Wasser

In recent months, image-based sexual abuse has been on the rise due to alternative intelligence (AI) mainly targeting high-profile women. It also imposes an increased risk to the LGBTQ+ community, sex workers and women everywhere. A 2023 UPenn article on the rise of deepfake porn says, Broadly speaking, minoritized women and femmes are more likely to experience image-based sexual abuse, as are single people and adolescents. LGBTQ populations are also at increased risk of harassment.

There are currently four states that created laws based on image-based sexual abuse. But with the growth of the internet, now more than anything what society needs is protection of the most vulnerable. When 14 year old Mia Janine takes her own life as a result of bullying and her face being placed onto the bodies of porn stars, it makes me fear what AI could do next.

What do we turn to when we see our own faces reflected back at us on the news and social media? When one girl dies or is faced with an inconceivable amount of tragedy, all girls watching stand as testaments to her pain.

We turn on the news and see our politicians arguing for more law enforcement and to lock people up in prisons overflowing with blue-collar criminals. But there is something about the politics of it all that makes my stomach turn and keep me from making eye contact with the girls face staring back at me, especially knowing that the politicians raising their voices only comes from a sense of inherent whiteness and lack of acknowledgement for women of color.

In order to stop these things from happening, the culture around womens existences must shift. Image-based sexual abuse is an example of the continual affects AI pornography can have on generations of people. If boys grow up believing that behavior like this is okay, what will stop them from using it to harm the women that they know? The cycle continues.

This is not a call for more policing or for longer prison sentences when tragedy does strike, this is a call for accountability. For resources available to victims and perpetrators, for laws to be created to catch crimes before they increase.

Resources can include community-led programs about sexual assault prevention and affordable therapy for people dealing with the effects of abuse and assault on their lives. More than anything, this is a call to see one less smiling girls eyes staring into mine, knowing that she died and nothing can be done to save her. Knowing that I cannot reach into my screen and pull her out.

These girls are suspended in time for me as the same age they were when they died. When the boys mugshot appears on the screen, I try to imagine what he was like as a child and what happened down the line for everything to go so wrong for him.

Social media, Deepfake images and an entire world of systemic, personal and institutional oppression fosters a world where the most heinous thoughts are validated. In order to be here for our women, we need to start with our boys.

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AI is More Than ChatGPT: It is a Ticking Time Bomb for Women - Torch - St. John's University

Investment starting to pay returns for women’s football in Oceania nations – Friends of Football

Efforts to help improve womens football in the Oceania region are bearing fruit, say football leaders.

FIFA Chief Womens Football Officer and former Samoa international Dame Sarai Bareman says the shining example was the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

Its clear that the impact stretched far beyond the two hosts and into the wider Oceania region, she said.

FIFAs provision of a range of on and off-field development activities in recent years has helped fast-track growth, and led to more examples of progress at OFC Womens Olympic Qualifier tournament in Samoa.

From infrastructure upgrades notably at the hosts Football Federation Samoa Football Stadium to the provision of high-performance coaches, and financial packages supporting the national teams, the support has been broad and wide-ranging.

Main photo: Solomon Islands Ileen Pegi was one of the emerging players at the OFC Womens Olympic Qualifier Tournament in Samoa. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Phototek.

Dame Sarai said it was pleasing to see so many competitive matches and such a lift in the quality of football at the tournament.

Its a testament to the hard work that is being done by OFC and its member associations.

Major competitions play such a crucial role in the growth of womens football. Last year, we saw Papua New Guinea come so close to qualifying for the FIFA Womens World Cup.

The levelling of competition across the confederation reflects the commitment to improvement from both the world governing body and the respective member associations.

FIFA has delivered 77 programmes to Oceanian nations since first launching the Womens Development Programmes in the region.

Notably, FIFA launched a pilot programme to help Pacific national teams prepare for the OFC Womens Nation Cup 2022.

This turned into a fully-fledged programme that supported a range of identified nations to prepare for the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup.

Samoa, for instance, is enjoying a significant period of growth.

In February 2024, experienced administrator Ronna Lee Galumalemana became the new CEO at Football Federation Samoa (FFS), one of the few women to lead a member association in the region.

FFS President Sam Petaia says FIFA has invested more than USD$5 million for infrastructure in the past few years. Such investment has allowed FFS to host several OFC tournaments over the coming year.

Apia Park will be the main FFS administrative headquarters, while the existing Tuanaimato facility will be developed into a high-performance centre.

As part of FIFA 3.0 the academy will be developed with a gym, training pitches and player accommodation, sports science and anti-doping being housed on the site.

FIFA, through their infrastructure assistance, have given us a platform, that our Federation can challenge rugby, Petaia said.

Its about giving opportunities to kids. [Football is] the most well-funded, and the most popular grassroots programme in the country. But when they transition from primary school to secondary school, that is when we tend to lose a lot of the football players to rugby.

We have systems in place that we will make sure we try to hold onto our players, so they know theres something for them when they leave primary school. So its about us building programmes we can sustain. In five to 10 years look out, that landscape can change.

FFS Technical Director Ravinesh Kumar said: I think the FIFA Womens World Cup had a great impact on the young people, young girls as well.

We had our holiday programmes in December and we could clearly see that there is a link, between the FIFA Womens World Cup brought to Oceania and the interest it creates in our local kids. And now the Olympic qualifiers have backed up that interest, in our girls especially.

We could see a lot of girls have come in to watch the Olympic qualifiers.

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Investment starting to pay returns for women's football in Oceania nations - Friends of Football

Priority bills in Nebraska Legislature aim at health care – Omaha World-Herald

LINCOLN Near the halfway point of this years legislative session, every Nebraska lawmaker has named their personal priority bill that will set the tone for the remaining 31 days.

Roughly a dozen state senators named health care issues as their priorities, while several others emphasized workforce development and tax reform. Also among the priority bills are a handful that may foreshadow a return to the rancorous debates seen last year.

Lawmakers had until Thursday to name their one personal priority bill for the session. Legislative committees had the same deadline to name up to two priority bills, and over this weekend, Speaker of the Legislature John Arch is considering what 25 bills will be his speaker priorities for the year.

Priority bills are generally given preference by the speaker when scheduling the daily agendas for floor debates. Now that all individual and committee priority bills have been named, Arch said those measures will start coming up more frequently.

From here on out, it will almost exclusively be priority bills on the floor, Arch said.

Health care rose to the top as one of the most popular subjects prioritized this session, including bills to close an insurance loophole for colonoscopies, establish a prescription drug donation program, and expand services for mothers at risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Leading into the session, many lawmakers pinned tax reform and workforce development solutions such as affordable housing, education and child care improvements as top issues for the Legislature to focus on this year.

Those issues came up on the priority list as well, particularly among committee priority bills. Among individual priorities, however, they were a bit more scarce. There is a bill from State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha to subsidize child care for child care workers, a bill from Sen. Robert Clements of Elmwood to eliminate the inheritance tax, and a bill from Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln to eliminate barriers to obtaining work licenses.

Conrad said she considers the high number of health care bills as part of the push to pass workforce development proposals. She said that health care is directly tied to workforce challenges and that the prioritized health care bills would help Nebraskas working families.

Overall, Conrad said she was happy with what bills were prioritized this year, saying they help reset the tone from the drama-filled debates that ate up much of last years session. Lawmakers are leaning back into the Legislatures nonpartisan structure, she said, which helps with collaboration on policies that will help Nebraskans most.

Its how its supposed to be in the Nebraska Legislature, Conrad said.

However, there are still several priority bills that are likely to turn into a fight if they make it to floor debates. Most notably, there is Legislative Bill 575, dubbed the Sports and Spaces Act, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Kathleen Kauth of Omaha. The bill would restrict access to K-12 school bathrooms and locker rooms on the basis of biological sex and would add similar restrictions to most school sports teams.

Last year, Kauth prioritized LB 574, which restricted access to gender-affirming care for people under 19. An amendment late in the session also tightened Nebraskas abortion restrictions to 12 weeks, and the combination measure passed. It was the most contentious bill of the session, and was the reason for a session-long filibuster led by one of the bills opponents. Kauth said she expects LB 575 to also be filibustered if it gets to the floor.

The bill has been stuck in committee since last year, but Kauth said she isnt concerned. She said lawmakers are holding the bill in committee until the Legislature gets closer to all-day floor debates, which begin in March. That way, if the bill gets filibustered, its less likely to take up multiple days for each of its three rounds, she said.

Arch said he plans to spread out the controversial priority bills in his agenda scheduling, mixing simpler bills in between to give lawmakers time to negotiate. Part of the challenge of the speakers job, he said, is anticipating how much time is needed for each agenda item.

You cant just back up difficult bills and run them back to back, Arch said.

Another possible floor fight is expected on LB 1009, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Merv Riepe of Ralston. The bill would adjust the abortion restrictions passed last year to add an exception for cases of fatal fetal anomalies, and clarify that women who receive abortions cannot be charged with criminal penalties.

Riepe proposed a 12-week abortion ban last year as an amendment to a measure that would have set Nebraskas abortion restrictions at six weeks. After that bill failed, other senators drafted an amendment to add a 12-week abortion ban to LB 574. Riepe voted to support it, but he says he didnt like the legislation that passed and blames himself for not working harder to fix it.

Riepe has made it clear that LB 1009 doesnt relate to elective abortions, but instead makes it possible for expectant mothers to receive abortions if two physicians agree that her pregnancy isnt viable. He said many women dont learn about fatal fetal anomalies until after the 12-week mark, and says it isnt fair to expect them to carry their pregnancies to term when they know the outcome.

State government is not the place to have a law on this, Riepe said.

Although Riepe framed his bill as a reasonable alternative between easing Nebraskas abortion laws and restricting them further, he said he doesnt expect to see much support from either side of the debate. Sen. Joni Albrecht of Thurston, who has led the charge for increased abortion restrictions in the Legislature, has said she opposes LB 1009, but Riepe said he hopes to find support from other conservative lawmakers.

Other highlights of this years priority bills include:

Obscenity LB 441, introduced and prioritized by Albrecht, would repeal an existing exemption from prosecution, thus making it possible for people working in K-12 schools to be charged with a misdemeanor if they provide obscene materials to minors.

Felons LB 20, introduced by Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha and prioritized by Sen. Jane Raybould of Lincoln, would restore voting rights for people convicted of felonies once they complete their sentence.

Sex trafficking Constitutional amendment, LR 277CA, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would give Nebraska voters the opportunity to set a minimum life sentence for people convicted of sex or labor trafficking of a minor. All constitutional amendments, once passed by the Legislature, are put on the ballot and require voter approval before taking effect.

Scholarships LB 1402, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of the Omaha area, would appropriate $25 million to be distributed in grants to scholarship-granting organizations that help students attend private and parochial schools.

Last year, Linehan introduced LB 753, which appropriated funds for tax credits to go to individuals and entities that donated to similar scholarship-granting organizations. That bill, which eventually passed the Legislature, is facing a possible repeal through a voter referendum, but LB 1402 would nullify that effort. Linehan said if LB 1402 passes, she would support a repeal of LB 753.

National Guard LB 1394, introduced and prioritized by Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon, would exempt Nebraska National Guard members from income taxes they incur through payments they received on duty.

Nebraska State Poet Matt Mason poses for a portrait in his home in Omaha on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.

Omaha Bryan's Abdrirahman Unle jumps into the arms of coach Jason Susnja after pinning North Plate's Tyler Haneborg for during the Class A 113-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Omaha Skutt's Kaylyn Harrill, left, wrestles Columbus Lakeview's Lacy Lemburg during the Girls 120-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Millard West's Enrique Haynes celebrates his win over Omaha Creighton Prep's Presden Sanchez in the Class A 120-pound championship match at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.

Auburn's Ayden Smith, facing, and Bennington's Lane Welchert compete in the first round of the Class B 106-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Grand Island's Kim Gonzalez, right, and Pierce's Maggie Painter compete in the first round of the girls 120-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Battle Creek's Ashton Kuchar, facing, and Hi-Line's Parker Schutz compete in the second round of the Class C 126-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Omaha North's Joshyonna Coppage-Dortch and Chadron's Josey Werner compete in the first round of the girls 100-pound match in the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Beatrice's Tristan Reinke, left, wrestles Bennington's Brodee Scobee during the first round of the Class B 132-pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Lincoln North Star's Colton Hauschild celebrates his win over Bellevue East's Dillon Ginter during the first round of the Class A 165-pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Hershey's Ethan Elliott, right, tries to pin North Bend Central's Zac Mullally during the first round of the Class C132 -pound match during the state wrestling championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Iowa's Caitlin Clark (22) reacts while answering questions from the media in the post game press conference after the Hawkeyes were defeated by Nebraska, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska's Alexis Markowski (40) embraces her father, Andy, after the Huskers defeated Iowa, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska players celebrate with fans after defeating Iowa, 82-79, at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024.

Nebraska's Jacob Van Dee celebrates his win over Michigan's Dylan Ragusin during a 133-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Nebraska's Caleb Smith picks up Michigan's Michael DeAugustino during a 125-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Nebraska's Caleb Smith top. wrestles Michigan's Michael DeAugustino during a 125-pound match at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024.

Community members and politicians walk along 24th Street during a Martin Luther King Jr. Keep the Dream Alive March in Omaha on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The walk was postponed by weather from MLK Day in January.

The sun rises over Lake Wanahoo outside Wahoo on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

David Wright, of Bellevue, and his son Michael Wright, of Papillion, ice fish in an insulated shelter on Lake Wanahoo outside Wahoo on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. You can spend time with your friends, family," David Wright said. "Its not so much about the fishing."

Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) wipes the sweat from his face late in the second half against Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Augusto Cassi (0), left, and Finley Bizjack (13) celebrate an upset of Creighton at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Jahmyl Telfort (11), left, and Andre Screen (23) try to steal the ball from Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton's Steven Ashworth (1) celebrates a three-point basket against Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Butler's Finley Bizjack (13) chases a loose ball in the second half against Creighton at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton's Baylor Scheierman (55), right, helps Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) after they lost to Butler at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Creighton fans react to a Butler basket in the second half at CHI Health Center Omaha on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

Omaha's Marquel Sutton (10) gets ready for a shot against St. Thomas at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Omaha takes on St. Thomas at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Omaha's Marquel Sutton (10) looks to pass the ball around St. Thomass Brooks Allen (4) at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024.

Looking north on 13th Street from Hickey Street in the Little Bohemia neighborhood toward downtown Omaha.

Doug Harold works at the Tomasek Machine Shop located at 1631 S 13th St.

Doug Harold works at the Tomasek Machine Shop located at 1631 S 13th St.

Wrestlers warm up with jump ropes during practice at Omaha Bryan High School in Omaha on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Omaha Bryan will be in the state duals for the first time in program history

ebamer@owh.com Twitter @ErinBamer

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Priority bills in Nebraska Legislature aim at health care - Omaha World-Herald