AI-generated ‘poverty porn’ fake images being used by aid agencies

The GuardianMonday, October 20, 2025 at 6:00:36 AM
AI-generated ‘poverty porn’ fake images being used by aid agencies
A troubling trend is emerging as aid agencies increasingly use AI-generated images depicting extreme poverty and vulnerable populations in their social media campaigns. This practice, often referred to as 'poverty porn,' raises significant ethical concerns regarding consent and the portrayal of marginalized communities. Experts like Noah Arnold highlight the prevalence of these images, which flood stock photo sites, suggesting a shift in how organizations communicate their missions. This matters because it risks dehumanizing those it aims to help and could undermine genuine efforts to address poverty.
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