I.K.U. This is not LOVE. This is SEX.
A dystopian future of data-driven arousal and sexual surveillance. Gata presents the visionary erotic film I.K.U. (2000), where orgasms are commodified and sold as microchips
A glimpse into a future where technology has completely reshaped the landscape of sexual experience: Shu Lea Cheang’s film explores the allure of instant satisfaction. Brace yourself for an erotic cyberpunk adventure that pushes the limits of imagination and technology.
Sex with the purpose of Data collection. I.K.U. (2000) was initially envisioned as a successor to Blade Runner and its title is a clever pun on the Japanese word "iku," which, in sexual slang, is used to express an orgasm. Set in the dystopian world of Genom Corporation, the film follows the protagonist Reiko who is tasked to gather “orgasm data” by having sexual intercourse with a variety of individuals. Her missions include sleeping with salarymen, strippers and couples - the 90-minute film is heavy on erotic scenes. The corporation’s goal is to develop an “orgasm chip” which allows consumers to download and experience orgasms without physical contact, directly from the I.K.U. server. The Taiwanese director Shu Lea Cheang takes us along to experience the pursuit of capturing data - through excessive sex.
The film's narrative culminates in Reiko's retrieval of enough data, leading to the development and distribution of I.K.U. Orgasm Chips by Genom Corporation. The Orgasm Chips are even sold through vending machines, making the perfect orgasm easily accessible to everyone. In the final scene of the film, a man stands before such an I.K.U. vending machine, contemplating which orgasm chip to purchase. Each chip has a different colour and promises a specific type of pleasure, moulded on the data gathered by Reiko.
In this world, the pursuit of pleasure is reduced to a transactional exchange, devoid of the messy complexities of human connection. The allure of guaranteed satisfaction, neatly packaged in a microchip, challenges traditional notions of intimacy and desire.
The idea of a corporation gathering data based on sexual interactions is not foreign, take Pornhub monitoring the preferences of their users. The hashtag #stopdataporn launched by activists in 2023 in the wake of accusing the platform of illegally processing and saving personal data of consumer’s sexual preferences reflects the issues that come with data storing in the sex realm. In 2023 researchers in the European Union filed a complaint against Pornhub for illegally handling the data of millions of users, violating the General Data Protection Rules in the EU. Sex surveillance, sites argue, is with the intent to provide more tailored precise content, to the benefit of its users. Yet that results in sexual preferences assigned to each user, without their approval.
The prospect of an orgasm microchip, offering customised pleasure at the touch of a button, looms closer on the horizon than we think. For instance, the emergence of teledildonics allows individuals to engage in remote sexual encounters using interactive sex toys, blurring the boundaries between physical and digital intimacy. You can now trigger an orgasm in another person, even though you are miles away. We have also already witnessed the emergence of holographic dolls designed to be submissive to users, as well as virtual reality (VR) sex experiences. The popularity of virtual reality porn offers users immersive experiences that simulate real-life sexual encounters, challenging traditional notions of sexual authenticity.
However, amidst these technological advancements, questions about the nature of human connection, intimacy, and consent remain ever-present. While technology has undoubtedly expanded the possibilities for sexual exploration, it also raises ethical concerns about privacy, exploitation, and the commodification of intimacy.
If orgasms can be effortlessly downloaded and customised based on our preferences, why bother with the uncertainties of sexual intercourse?
This speaks to broader trends already present in our contemporary society. The proliferation of online pornography, virtual reality technology, and the rise of sex tech startups all point to a growing appetite for novel ways to indulge in sexual pleasure. Consider OnlyFans (OF), which has surged in value to a staggering 18 billion US dollars, a remarkable eight-fold increase from 2020. Central to its success - is its ability to offer consumers an exclusive, personalised experience tailored to their desires. This bespoke approach resonates with modern consumers, who increasingly seek fast and effective experiences in all aspects of their lives, not limited to sex.
Ultimately, I.K.U. serves as a provocative exploration of the intersection between technology and sexuality, inviting audiences to contemplate the implications of a future where pleasure is just a download away. As we navigate this brave new world, it is essential to critically examine the impact of technology on our relationships, our desires, and our understanding of what it means to be human.