tl;dw

There are a standardized set of test images that photo processing engineers often use to test algorithms and methods. One of these images is (or at least was) the "Lena image," a cropped scan of a Playboy centerfold model used without copyright permission. There has been debate and controversy over using this image since almost the very beginning in the 70's.

Pros:

Having a set of standardized images helps test the output of various processing algorithms.

Playboy, while originally against the use of the image since it violated their copyright, now supports its usage since it's free publicity.

Sexy lady.

Cons:

It's a picture of a naked woman from a porno mag. While the image is cropped, everyone knows what it is. The computer science field is heavily male dominated, and this is just another instance of soft exclusion.

The image itself isn't even all that good as a test image, since it is a digital scan of a physical printing. There are other images that would work much better.

The model herself, while originally unaware of the negative consequences of the image, has recently stated that it should be retired.

I found this video interesting on many different levels as an instructor and as a father of a woman in technology.

The times they are a changing ...