Staff Reports
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more and more a part of everyday life, even when people are not aware of it. However, it can also cause disruption in ways that were not possible in the past.
Police Speak on Supposed Recording of Principal's Racist Tirade Against Students and Faculty – This Revelation Changes Everything via @WestJournalism https://t.co/5ycjTSz9BC
— WhiteNoise??HalB?? (@ObsoleteAndSane) April 28, 2024
A Baltimore County school was recently affected by an AI-related incident. The athletic director at Pikesville High School allegedly used AI to create a fake racist conversation involving the principal. An audio clip circulated, suggesting that Principal Eric Eiswert made racist remarks about black students. This led to widespread condemnation and calls for the principal to resign.
The incident had serious consequences, with Eiswert being removed from his position and facing online threats. However, it later emerged that the conversation never took place. Detectives, with the help of the FBI and other experts, concluded that the recording was faked using AI technology.
The school’s athletic director, Dazhon Darien, was arrested and charged with creating the false audio. It was revealed that Darien may have created the fake recording as a form of retaliation against Eiswert for investigating him over alleged financial misconduct.
This case highlights the potential misuse of AI and the challenges it poses to law enforcement and the legal system. Baltimore County’s state attorney, Scott Shellenberger, stated that this was the first time they had dealt with a case of AI-generated slander. He emphasized the need to evaluate existing statutes and consider how this technology can be abused to harm others.
The incident underscores the potential for AI to be used deceptively and the challenges in identifying what is real and what is not. As AI technology continues to advance, it may become even more difficult to discern truth from falsehood, especially for those less familiar with technology.
The misuse of AI in this case had significant repercussions, but the truth eventually prevailed. As society grapples with the increasing influence of AI, it will be important to remain vigilant and informed about its potential impact.
