Acceptable Use Policies / GitHub Sexually Obscene Content

[Elise96nl]

1. What is the name of the policy?
   Site Policy / Acceptable Use Policies / GitHub Sexually Obscene Content

2. Is this issue related to a specific section within one of our policies (e.g., the Terms of Service)? If so, please include a link to the section or subsection.
   Site Policy / Acceptable Use Policies / GitHub Sexually Obscene Content
   🔗 GitHub Sexually Obscene Content Policy

3. Have you already submitted a pull request? If so, please include a link to the PR in the GitHub Docs repo.
   🔗 Pull Request #926

4. If you prefer to provide your input directly into an issue, please use this section to do so.
   🔗 Discussion Comment
   🔗 Discussion Thread
   🔗 Pull Request Comment

5. Why do you believe this section or language needs improvement?
   I will summarize the key points I made in the linked discussions:

GitHub should not be banning or disabling tools like Roop Unleashed. The ability to create deepfake face swaps will inevitably become mainstream and easily accessible to everyone. Attempting to suppress it is not a viable long-term solution. Right now, only a small group of tech-savvy individuals use these tools—but they will continue to do so regardless of GitHub’s restrictions.

Instead of censorship, we should embrace this technology, educate the public about its potential, and push for appropriate laws. GitHub should focus on solving problems, not simply banning software.

Key Arguments:
Regulations should be proactive, not reactive: Rules, laws, and solutions must be established before this technology becomes widely available on every smartphone in a few years.
Deepfake detection requires deepfake creation: To develop effective detection tools, the technology must be in the public domain to allow for dataset training. Restricting it hinders the ability to create safeguards.
The technology itself is not inherently harmful: The current policy assumes that non-consensual intimate imagery is the primary use case, but like any tool, its impact depends on how people use it.
Innovation follows a familiar pattern: Many groundbreaking technologies—such as HD video, 3D, and VR—initially gained traction through adult content. However, their true potential and broader applications emerged shortly thereafter.
By fostering open development rather than suppression, GitHub can remain a platform for innovation rather than an obstacle to it.

Synthetic & Manipulated Media Tools
GitHub does not allow any projects that are designed for, encourage, promote, support, or suggest in any way the use of synthetic or manipulated media for the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery or any content that would constitute misinformation or disinformation under this policy.

Nice description. you can do the same stuff, with paint, or photoshop. Hell if i want to see the CEO of github naked, i can just take pen and paper and draw him naked. Imagine if they banned the spread and use of pen's in 3200 BC because some guys where drawing all the cave woman naked.

[jessephus]

Hi @Elise96nl. Thanks for the feedback on our site policies. These policies were designed to strike a balance between encouraging legitimate general-purpose research while disallowing projects that are configured specifically for harmful purposes. To be clear, GitHub does not categorically ban deepfake face swap software. But we do prohibit the use of our platform for development of projects that are designed for or encourage the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery. This includes face swap projects that are designed for or marketed for the purpose of making sexual imagery.

GitHub’s Appeal and Reinstatement Policy is an important component of our approach to content moderation and dual-use projects. If you had a project that was impacted by one of our policies, we encourage you to fill out our appeals and reinstatement form to provide more information about your fork and request reinstatement if you think that your fork was not in violation of our Acceptable Use Policies.