Spain Sentences 15 School Children Over AI-Generated Naked Images
A court in southwest Spain has sentenced 15 schoolchildren to a year’s probation for creating and spreading AI-generated images of their female peers. The case, which originated in the Extremaduran town of Almendralejo, has raised concerns about the harmful and abusive uses of deepfake technology.
Parents in Almendralejo reported that faked naked pictures of their daughters were being circulated on WhatsApp groups, sparking a police investigation. The victims’ families expressed shock and dismay at the disturbing images that were being shared without their consent.
The youth court in Badajoz found the minors guilty of creating child abuse images and offenses against their victims’ moral integrity. The court noted that the teenagers used artificial intelligence applications to manipulate images of other minors, creating fake naked photos that were shared on WhatsApp.
Each of the defendants received a year’s probation and was ordered to attend classes on gender and equality awareness, as well as the responsible use of technology. The case has highlighted the importance of educating young people about respect, consent, and the proper use of digital tools.
The Malvaluna Association, representing the affected families, emphasized the need for comprehensive sex education in schools to prevent harmful behaviors and attitudes. The association called for a broader societal reflection on gender equality and the impact of pornography on young people.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of deepfake technology and the importance of teaching ethical behavior and digital literacy to young individuals. It underscores the responsibility of parents, schools, and policymakers in educating the next generation about the ethical use of technology and respect for others’ privacy and dignity.