A 14-year-old student from Westfield High School in New Jersey is calling for federal legislation to address the issue of AI-generated pornographic images. Francesca Mani and her mother, Dorota, have expressed their frustration over the lack of legal protection for victims of AI-generated pornography.
According to Dorota, inappropriate images of Francesca and other female classmates were manipulated and potentially shared online over the summer without their consent. Francesca, along with more than 30 other female students, is demanding accountability from the school and local, state, and government officials.
The incident came to light on October 20 when students informed school administrators about the creation and possible sharing of these images. In a letter to students and parents, Westfield Principal Mary Asfendis expressed concern and assured that any created images had been deleted and were not being circulated.
Following the incident, Westfield High School conducted its own investigation and immediately notified the Westfield Police Department and the school’s resource officer. However, the school spokesperson, Mary Ann McGann, declined to provide specific details regarding the number of students involved and any disciplinary actions taken, citing confidentiality.
Superintendent Dr. Raymond González released a statement emphasizing that all school districts are grappling with the challenges of artificial intelligence and other technologies. He assured that the Westfield Public School District has safeguards in place to prevent such incidents and is focused on educating students and establishing clear guidelines for responsible technology use.
Dorota expressed her pride in Francesca for speaking up and advocating not only for herself but also for other young girls who have fallen victim to AI-generated deepfake pornographic content. She believes that this issue extends beyond Westfield High School and presents an opportunity to shed light on the importance of addressing it.
Francesca has urged her mother to explore existing laws in New Jersey regarding deepfake images or videos and has also written a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to encourage state governors to enact legislation protecting underage girls and boys.
The CNN article highlights the rise in deepfake videos and the efforts made in California to combat nonconsensual pornography involving deepfakes. CNN has reached out to the New Jersey Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the White House for comment on the issue.
In conclusion, Francesca Mani’s fight for federal legislation to tackle AI-generated pornographic images has gained attention and support. Her efforts have prompted discussions about the need for legal protection against deepfake content, not only in her school but also on a broader scale.
