Midjourney, an AI image generator service that allows users to create realistic images of people who do not exist, has announced that it will be temporarily ending its free trials. The decision was made as the company grapples with server availability and "trial abuse" caused by the rise of deepfakes and other forms of online abuse.
The service, which uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to generate lifelike images from scratch, has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, it has also been criticized for its potential use in creating fake identities for nefarious purposes such as fraud and espionage.
In a statement released earlier this week, Midjourney said: "We have seen a significant increase in trial abuse over the past few months. This is putting a strain on our servers and making it difficult for genuine users to access our services."
The company did not provide specifics on what types of abuses are occurring or how they are affecting server performance.
Some experts have warned about the potential harm caused by deepfake technology if left unchecked. These concerns have led some governments around the world to consider regulating or even banning certain uses of deepfake technology.
Midjourney's move comes at a time when many companies are grappling with issues related to online safety and security. The rise of cyberbullying, hate speech and other forms of online abuse have led many tech firms to take steps to protect their users from harm.
While Midjourney's decision may inconvenience some users who were relying on free trials to test out its services before committing financially, others see it as a necessary step towards preventing further misuse of the platform.
As one industry analyst noted: "This move shows that Midjourney is taking user safety seriously. It's important for companies like this one - which deal with sensitive information -to prioritize security above all else."