These days photo editing is something that is commonplace whether it’s adding a filter to your face on social media or using AI generated images to help you with your first impression on social media, we live in a world where more people are editing their faces to fit a brand image they feel is right for themselves.
When searching online for more ways on how to be photogenic you might find an AI headshot program comes up in your search results. This is because many people are starting to utilize artificial intelligence to create what they feel is the picture perfect image of themselves. With AI headshot generators being budget-friendly and an easy way for anyone to edit a photo to make it look more professional, it’s no wonder we have some concerns about people using AI generated images on their official government IDs.
According to people who are looking into this it seems that federal and state authorities are saying that using AI generated headshots will start creating denied applications and could lead to legal action because it is falsifying what you actually look like. We have government IDs so that the government and other people checking those ideas can confirm who we are but if we are using an AI-generated headshot it means it’s a false image of who we are and cannot be confirmed which means now we have to talk about what is real and what is synthetic when it comes to.
There are many applications that are built on platforms that allow users to create realistic headshots that are considered deep fakes by most government officials although there are no regulations or current laws on the books regarding AI generated headshots. This is why many officials are starting to have the discussion about whether or not we should be allowed to use artificially created headshots on our official state IDs.
These applications are mostly used to enhance your photographs online but some people are starting to use them to meet photo ID requirements. The US Department of State has put out a statement to let people know the altering photographs for state and federal ID does undermine the integrity and authenticity of your government issued ID, and is misrepresenting what you look like in real life which can cause a national security concern.
Government agencies use biometric systems to try to match physical features to records that they already have on file with you and if you’re using AI headshot generators then the systems are not going to accurately determine who you are. While some AI generated headshots could be utilized safely on photo IDs it’s best that we have the discussion to remove them completely for other people could be using them maliciously and altering their appearance so much the biometric systems cannot identify them.
There are some federal laws that cover this aspect even if it’s not directly related to artificial intelligence. Such laws pertain to falsifying information or documents for a passport or driver’s license. These laws don’t specifically reference artificial intelligence; we can assume that utilizing AI generated headshots is falsifying information because it is not your actual face.
There is a broader issue going on among people who are using AI generated headshots so frequently that they feel inclined to use them on official IDs. The issue is that we’re trying to create a picture perfect image and putting our best selves forward which often crosses this line between reality and fiction. Just imagine you are someone who goes missing and all they have to go by is an artificially created photograph, this wooden bode well for them being able to find you.
We could discuss all day long the pros and cons of using AI generated headshots on your official IDs but the biggest concern is that we need to have some level of reality be real in this digitally driven world where artificial intelligence is taking over nearly every industry and aspect of our lives. So when it comes to using a photograph for official IDs you should use something that shows who you are for real.
Most government officials understand you want to look good in the photographs so you can dress up, you can put your makeup on, you can do your hair a certain way but you shouldn’t be changing yourself so drastically that if someone were to try to identify you in a crowd they are unable to.
For most official IDs your regular appearance will do just fine but when it comes to a passport photograph there are specific guidelines that must be followed. This is why it’s best to use a photographer who knows the ins and outs of passport photos so that you do not get declined and have to wait much longer for your passport.
Photo: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay
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