AI-Generated Deepfake Images of Students Shared at Melbourne High School
Female students at a Melbourne high school had their formal photos converted into sexually explicit deepfake images using AI, with the fake images shared by year 11 students via social media and group chats. Police arrested a 16-year-old boy and the school suspended two students; up to 60 students may have been affected.
What happened
School formal photos of female students at Gladstone Park Secondary College were inappropriately manipulated using artificial intelligence to create sexually explicit images. Year 11 students circulated the deepfake images through social media and group chats.
Victoria Police were first made aware of the matter on Thursday afternoon. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Friday and interviewed by detectives, then released pending further inquiries.
Reported impact
Up to 60 students could be affected by the fake nude photos circulating online, though police stated estimates ranged from 10 to 20 students. Detective Sergeant Simon Garner described the images as vulgar and 'quite despicable'.
The school suspended two year 11 students pending police investigation. The school offered wellbeing support to students affected. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as 'appalling' and 'outrageous', stating young girls deserve to feel safe and respected in schools.
Index analysis
The images are treated as child abuse material even though they are not real. Those who created or shared deepfake pornographic images of people under 18 can face up to seven years in jail; up to six years for those who only shared them, under federal laws passed in August 2024.
Governance controls
Principal Veronica Hoy stated that such 'misogynistic and disrespectful behaviour' is entirely unacceptable at the school and appropriate disciplinary action had been taken. The school also reminded parents that sending real or fake nude images of people under 18 is a crime.
The Department of Education and Training Victoria said the behaviour was unacceptable in any Victorian school. The department noted it had launched updated Respectful Relationships materials to help students navigate misogyny and hate online.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
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