In a shocking series of events, two separate incidents involving the creation and distribution of AI-generated nude images of high school students have sparked outrage and calls for better protections for victims. The first incident occurred in Westfield, New Jersey, where a mother and her 14-year-old daughter are leading the charge for stronger safeguards. Similarly, in suburban Seattle, Washington, officials are investigating a similar incident involving a teenage boy. Both cases shed light on the alarming proliferation of explicit AI-generated material that disproportionately harms women and children.

According to independent researcher Genevieve Oh, there has been an unprecedented surge in the posting of deepfake videos, with over 143,000 new videos being uploaded this year alone. This alarming statistic has heightened concerns among affected families, who are now pushing lawmakers to implement robust measures to protect victims whose images are manipulated using AI models or through various apps and websites that openly advertise their services.

Advocates and legal experts are also calling for federal regulation that can provide uniform protections across the country and deter potential perpetrators. Dorota Mani, the mother of one of the victims in Westfield, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "We're fighting for our children. They are not Republicans, and they are not Democrats. They just want to be loved, and they want to be safe."

The issue of deepfakes is not a new phenomenon, but experts warn that it is escalating as the technology becomes more accessible and easier to use. This year, the FBI issued a warning about the increasing reports of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, involving both real victims and virtual characters. The prevalence of this "AI pandemic" has prompted researchers and officials to call for swift action.

While some states, including Texas, Minnesota, and New York, have passed legislation to criminalize nonconsensual deepfake pornography, the scope of these laws varies. Some states, such as California and Illinois, have only provided victims with the ability to sue perpetrators in civil court. However, efforts are underway in several states, including New Jersey, to ban deepfake porn and impose penalties on its spread.

State Sen. Kristin Corrado, a Republican who introduced legislation in New Jersey, highlighted the need for action, saying, "We just had a feeling that an incident was going to happen." The bill, which has been pending for a few months, is gaining momentum, especially in light of the Westfield incident.

In Westfield, the high school was alerted to the incident in October, and an investigation was launched. Details about how the AI-generated images were circulated have not been disclosed, but parents received an email from the principal warning about the dangers of artificial intelligence. The school has not confirmed any disciplinary actions, citing student confidentiality. The Westfield police and the Union County Prosecutor's office were also notified but have yet to comment on the matter.

Similarly, in Washington state, an incident involving AI-generated images occurred in October and is currently under investigation by the police. The Issaquah School District, where the incident took place, emphasized that any form of bullying, harassment, or mistreatment among students is entirely unacceptable.

Legal experts note that existing state laws may already apply to the prosecution of such incidents involving minors. However, the protections do not extend to adults who find themselves in similar scenarios. Experts argue that a federal law is needed to provide consistent protections nationwide and penalize organizations profiting from deepfake products and apps. They believe that such legislation would also send a strong message to minors who might impulsively create images of other children.

President Joe Biden has taken steps to address the issue by signing an executive order that prohibits the use of generative AI for creating child sexual abuse material or non-consensual intimate imagery. U.S. Rep. Tom Kean, Jr., a Republican representing Westfield, introduced a bill requiring developers to include disclosures on AI-generated content. Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle, a New York Democrat, introduced a bill that would criminalize the sharing of deepfake porn images online. Unfortunately, due to congressional gridlock, both bills have faced delays.

However, some caution against rushing into legislation, including organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation. They argue that careful consideration is necessary to avoid proposals that could infringe on First Amendment rights. Joe Johnson, an attorney for the ACLU of New Jersey, suggests that existing cyber harassment laws can address some concerns about abusive deepfakes.

Regardless of the ongoing debate, Dorota Mani and her daughter are taking matters into their own hands. They have created a website and charity to help AI victims and have been actively involved in advocating for stronger protections. They plan to engage with state lawmakers in New Jersey and even travel to Washington to push for more comprehensive safeguards.

The Westfield Public School District has acknowledged the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and other technologies, stating that they have safeguards in place to prevent such incidents on their network and school-issued devices. The district also stressed the importance of educating students and establishing clear guidelines for responsible technology use. However, they have refrained from commenting on the number of students affected or any disciplinary actions.

As the issue of deepfakes continues to evolve, it is clear that urgent action is needed to protect victims and prevent further harm. The voices of affected families, advocates, and legal experts are growing louder, demanding stronger safeguards, federal regulation, and a united front against the exploitation of AI technology.