What Is AI Face Generation?

AI face generation encompasses two related but distinct capabilities: generating entirely new synthetic faces (as in the 'This Person Does Not Exist' demonstration) and generating realistic faces based on reference images of real individuals. The second capability — identity-preserving face generation — is the technology most relevant to NCII. It allows perpetrators to generate intimate images of real individuals using reference photos from social media. The resulting images, while entirely AI-generated, depict a real identifiable person and are covered under the TAKE IT DOWN Act.

Key facts about this term

1. Identity-preserving generation is the key NCII risk Generic face generation creates fictional people. Identity-preserving face generation creates realistic depictions of real individuals — this is what creates NCII.
2. Reference photos from social media are sufficient Modern identity-preserving face generation tools require as few as 3-5 facial reference photos, all of which may be sourced from a public social media profile.
3. The output is NCII under federal law An AI-generated intimate image that clearly depicts a real, identifiable individual — even if entirely synthetic — is covered by the TAKE IT DOWN Act's removal mandate.