Teens exploited by fake nudes illustrate threat of unregulated AI

A phone, a few photos and artificial intelligence have stirred controversy and shattered the privacy of several teens at a New Jersey high school after they learned that nude images of them — created via AI — were circulated in group chats.

Why it matters: The incident is a poignant example of the threats that come with unregulated, expanding artificial intelligence access, experts told Axios.

Driving the news: Some teen girls at Westfield High School in New Jersey learned last month that fake nude images of them were shared among other students, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Concerns were raised to administrators on Oct. 20, but the photos were shared over the summer, according to an email sent to parents by Westfield High's principal, Mary Asfendis.

The investigation and response involved the Westfield Police Department, in addition to the school's resource officer, counseling department and administration.