Teens are using AI to create fake nudes of their classmates — as a new form of bullying

New York Post - Apr 21st, 2025
Open on New York Post

Teens are increasingly using AI-powered 'nudify' apps to create disturbingly realistic deepfake nude images of their classmates, which are then shared widely, causing significant distress and disruption in schools. These apps can fabricate explicit images from just a headshot taken from social media or yearbooks, leading to a new form of bullying that is difficult to control. The Palo Alto Unified School District superintendent, Don Austin, highlights the alarming impact of such technologies, emphasizing that fabricated images can be created without a person's knowledge or consent.

The issue has caught the attention of legal authorities, with the San Francisco City Attorney's office suing several 'nudify' websites for child exploitation and nonconsensual image violations. However, legal measures struggle to keep pace with the rapid advancement of these technologies. Some states, like Minnesota, are attempting to introduce legislation to hold tech companies accountable, but enforcement remains a challenge. Experts like Josh Ochs of SmartSocial stress the need for proactive communication between parents and children regarding digital safety. Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate has passed a bill to criminalize nonconsensual AI deepfake porn, indicating the severity and urgency of this digital crisis.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights a pressing issue involving the misuse of AI technology to create fake nudes, focusing on its impact on teens and schools. It is supported by credible sources and presents a timely topic relevant to current debates about technology and privacy. However, the article could benefit from a more balanced perspective, including insights from tech developers or legal experts, to provide a comprehensive view of the issue. While the article is clear and engaging, additional transparency about the methodology and more detailed exploration of the controversy would enhance its depth and impact. Overall, it serves as a valuable piece for raising awareness and prompting discussions about the ethical implications of AI technology.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article provides a largely accurate depiction of the emerging issue of AI-generated fake nudes among teens, supported by quotes from credible sources like Don Austin and Josh Ochs. The story claims that AI tools are being used to create realistic fake nudes from headshots, a claim that aligns with known capabilities of AI technology. It also mentions a lawsuit by the San Francisco City Attorney’s office against 'nudify' websites, which is a verifiable fact. However, some claims, such as the widespread use of these images in schools and the specific legislative efforts in Minnesota, would benefit from additional verification. The article might overstate the prevalence without specific statistical backing, which affects its precision.

6
Balance

The article predominantly focuses on the negative aspects of AI technology, particularly its misuse by teens, without exploring potential positive uses or broader context. It presents a single narrative of AI as a tool for harm, which may overshadow other perspectives, such as the role of technology in education or its benefits. While it includes expert opinions warning about the dangers, it lacks counterpoints or insights from tech developers or legal experts who might provide a more balanced view of the issue. This results in a somewhat skewed presentation that could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of the topic.

8
Clarity

The article is generally well-written, with a clear narrative structure that guides the reader through the issue of AI-generated fake nudes. The language is straightforward and accessible, making the complex topic understandable to a general audience. The use of quotes from experts adds clarity to the discussion, although the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical aspects to enhance comprehension. Overall, the article successfully communicates its main points, but additional context could improve clarity further.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources, including Don Austin, a school superintendent, and Josh Ochs from SmartSocial, which lends authority to its claims. These sources are relevant and knowledgeable about the topic, enhancing the reliability of the information presented. However, the story could improve by including a wider range of sources, such as legal experts or representatives from tech companies, to provide a more comprehensive view of the issue. The reliance on a limited number of sources may limit the depth of the analysis and understanding of the broader implications.

7
Transparency

The article clearly attributes quotes to specific individuals and provides context for their statements, which aids in transparency. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the claims, such as how the AI technology works or the criteria for the lawsuit mentioned. Additionally, while the article mentions legislative efforts, it does not delve into the specifics of these actions or potential conflicts of interest. Greater transparency about the sources of information and the processes involved would enhance the reader's understanding of the issue.

Sources

  1. https://abc7.com/beverly-hills-5-students-expelled-ai-generated-nudes-classmates/14505082/