Bye ‘Lenna’! Iconic Playboy pic banned from research papers

From Playboy centerfold to technical benchmark

How did a 1972 Playboy centerfold become a ubiquitous test image for algorithms? In 1973, researchers scanned a cropped section of Forsén’s photo (omitting the original nudity) for its ideal mix of textures and contrast. Over the years, the “Lenna” image spread as a technical benchmark.

The catch? It’s a sexually suggestive image that critics say contributes to a male-dominated culture in tech, making women uncomfortable. This isn’t new – voices have been pushing back for decades. Even Playboy recognized the phenomenon, bringing Forsén to a 1997 imaging tech conference. While Forsén herself initially seemed amused, that perspective has shifted.

The push for change

From the early days, concerns emerged around using a sexually suggestive female image as a technical standard. Critics argued it perpetuated a culture that objectified women and made them feel unwelcome in the male-dominated field of computer science. Female scientists and engineers voiced discomfort with encountering Lenna in research papers, highlighting the image’s contradiction with the seriousness of scientific inquiry.

Despite these concerns, Lenna’s usage persisted for decades. Notably, in 1997, Playboy themselves recognized her status as a tech icon and invited her to a conference. While Forsén initially appeared amused, her perspective later shifted. In 2019, she voiced support for “Losing Lena,” a documentary advocating for the image’s retirement, stating, “We can make a simple change today that creates a lasting change for tomorrow.”

The campaign to retire the image gained momentum in recent years. In 2018, the journal Nature banned its use. The 2019 documentary “Losing Lena” featured Forsén saying, “I retired from modeling a long time ago. It’s time I retired from tech, too.”

In today's email from the IEEE Computer Society pic.twitter.com/WktrFRvVDK

— Michael P. Frank 💻🔜♻️ e/acc (@MikePFrank) March 27, 2024

As Ars Technica reports, the IEEE’s decision signifies a broader shift towards inclusivity in tech research. In his email announcing the policy change, Vice President Terry Benzel emphasized the IEEE’s commitment to “promoting an including and equitable culture that welcomes all.”

The ban goes beyond simply eliminating Lenna. It encourages reviewers and program committees to be more sensitive to images used in research papers. This signifies a move towards a more thoughtful approach to research visuals, ensuring they don’t unintentionally create barriers for women in the field.

Why this matters

The retirement of Lenna doesn’t mean a technological setback. Researchers will find or develop alternative test images with similar, more representative, and inclusive technical qualities. This is an opportunity to create a new standard that reflects the diverse community of scientists and engineers shaping the future of image processing.

Ultimately, the Lenna saga is a reminder of the importance of fostering a welcoming and inclusive tech environment. Moving beyond Lenna, the field states that technical proficiency is one of many criteria for valuable contributions. Science thrives on the participation of diverse minds, and removing such outdated symbols paves the way for a more equitable future.

This is a chance to reset norms and create a more inclusive environment for everyone in computer science.