The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has temporarily blocked searches for Taylor Swift” to try to stop to slow the spread of fake graphic images of the popular female singer-songwriter.
Users who searched for “on X received an error message that advised them to try reloading. However, it appears that the platform is blocking only that specific text string, as other queries like “Taylor AI Swift” are still allowed, according to Variety magazine.
X said the temporary action was taken with an abundance of caution to prioritize safety.
The move comes amid sexually explicit AI-generated images of Swift that went viral on X and other internet platforms, generating more than 27 million views in 19 hours before the account responsible was suspended.
SAG-AFTRA issued a statement condemning the fake images as upsetting, harmful, and deeply concerning and called for legislation making the development and dissemination of such images illegal.