RADNOR, Pa. (WPVI) — Radnor High School and Radnor Township Police are investigating an AI-generated video that allegedly depicts several students inappropriately, according to an email sent to families by Principal Dr. Joseph MacNamara.
“I am writing to address concerns and rumors regarding an AI-generated video that was reported to depict several of our students in an inappropriate manner,” MacNamara wrote. “We understand how upsetting and serious this situation is, and we want to assure you that we are treating it with the highest level of urgency and care.”
The principal said families of the students involved have been contacted and provided with support. The email also stated that the school immediately began an internal investigation and notified Radnor Township Police.
“RPD is actively involved, and we are continuing to work closely with them as we gather information,” MacNamara wrote.
The school district declined to comment further, and Radnor Township Police said only that the incident is under active investigation.
Action News spoke with a mother of two children who attend Radnor High School, who asked to remain anonymous.
“The biggest concern is the psychological safety of our daughters that are going to school every day, that are now looking over their shoulder. They’re wondering if they should post something on social media,” she said.
Community members expressed concern about the broader implications of the technology.
“It’s gonna be a recurring thing if we don’t do anything to stop it. As far as where it’s gonna be in a few years, who knows?” said Frank McHugh, who has a relative at Radnor High School.
“It’s so gross, and especially for young women, it’s so incredibly dangerous for this to be happening,” said Meredith Criswell.
While major AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini have safeguards to prevent the creation of sexually explicit images, Drexel University criminology professor and cybersecurity expert Dr. Robert D’Ovidio said unregulated apps remain widely available.
“And there’s a big business surrounding this online,” D’Ovidio said. “These rogue tools that allow criminals to engage them for a fee to do things like create sexualized images from what appears to be an innocent selfie, for example.”
Lawmakers have scrambled to catch up to the rapidly advancing technology. Last year, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a law outlawing deepfake pornography involving both minors and non-consenting adults.
“We know this is not an isolated incident, what happened in Radnor Township,” D’Ovidio told Action News. “And parents need to recognize this. This is not something that’s indicative of a community problem. Yes, it’s happening here, but it’s happening all over the country.”
He urged parents to talk with their children about the risks.
“This is the time for discussion with their children because the capabilities are now in their kids’ hands,” D’Ovidio said. “You know, be careful who you let into your social circles on the various social media platforms that you’re using. Make sure you can trust these individuals because, again, you’re giving them access to photos to videos that they can easily weaponize against you.”
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