AI, Nudes & Consent - Where creativity ends and harm begins

We want to talk about something that’s been sitting uncomfortably with us recently.

An AI-generated image of Ginny, (the one above) originally created by Ginny herself , was taken, altered into a full nude image and posted publicly online without consent.

Let’s be very clear from the outset: that wasn’t okay!

This blog isn’t a panic post. It’s not a moral crusade and it’s certainly not written from a place of shock or shame. It is written from a place of experience, perspective and a firm belief that consent still matters, especially in a world where technology is racing ahead faster than the rules meant to protect people.

Let’s Start With the Balanced Truth

AI is not the villain. Used well, it’s clever, creative and genuinely exciting. It opens doors for artists, small businesses, photographers, designers and content creators who previously didn’t have access to expensive tools or teams. 

We’ve all seen how AI can speed up workflows, spark ideas, enhance creativity and help businesses grow.

We use technology every day in our work. Editing tools. Automation. Digital platforms. Innovation isn’t something we shy away from, we embrace it.

BUT

Here’s the uncomfortable truth that needs saying out loud:

AI is currently far too accessible, poorly regulated and dangerously easy to misuse.

And when it’s misused, the damage lands on real people!

What Actually Happened

An image was taken and altered without permission. Consent wasn’t asked for. No conversation. No checking. No consideration.

Someone decided they could do it and that was enough for them.

The resulting image didn’t even resemble Ginny’s real body. Anyone who knows her, or has seen her work, would immediately know that. 

As naturists, we’re confident in our skin. We don’t fear nudity. We don’t attach shame to bodies.

And yet…

That doesn’t make it acceptable!

This isn’t about prudishness. It isn’t about embarrassment. It isn’t about being ‘offended’ by nudity. It’s about control, consent, and boundaries being crossed.

“But You’re Naturists…”

Yes. We are. And that’s exactly why this conversation matters. Being comfortable with nudity does not mean being comfortable with your image being manipulated, altered and shared without your knowledge or permission.

Naturism is rooted in choice. Respect. Consent. Those principles don’t magically disappear because someone decides technology gives them a free pass.

Just because something can be done, doesn’t mean it should be.

Why This Matters Beyond Us

We’re thick-skinned. We’re grounded. We’re not mentally scarred by what happened.

But here’s the part that genuinely concerns us: Not everyone would be okay!

For someone else, someone younger, more vulnerable, less confident or already struggling with body image, mental health, or personal safety this could be devastating.

AI-generated nude images can:

• Damage reputations

• Harm relationships

• Trigger anxiety, shame, or trauma

• Be used for harassment or coercion

• Exist online forever

And all without the person ever having taken their clothes off.

That should make everyone pause.

The Core Issue: Consent

This is where our stance is non-negotiable.

Consent wasn’t sought. Therefore, what happened was wrong.

End of discussion.

We don’t care how clever the software is.

We don’t care how realistic the output looks.

We don’t care how quickly it can be done.

If consent isn’t present, it’s not creativity it’s a violation.

Technology doesn’t erase ethics.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We’re not calling for AI to be banned.

We’re not shouting about doomsday futures.

What we are calling for is:

• Better regulation

• Clearer accountability

• Education around ethical use

• And a louder, collective agreement that consent still applies — even in digital spaces

Because bodies are not playgrounds.

Images are not public property.

And confidence does not equal permission.

Our Final Word

We’ll continue to create. To photograph. To celebrate bodies. To challenge shame. To live openly and honestly. But we’ll also continue to call things out when they cross a line.

AI can be brilliant.

AI can also be dangerous.

The difference lies not in the technology but in the choices people make when using it.

And on this one?

The choice that was made was wrong.

Consent always comes first.

Ginny & Chris | Bare With Us 🌿