Gym Teacher Arrested for Allegedly Using AI to Frame Principal
A gym teacher at Pikesville High School in Baltimore County, Maryland, is facing charges after authorities believe he used AI technology to create a fake recording of the school principal making offensive remarks.
Fake Recording Sparks Controversy
In January, a recording circulated on social media purportedly featuring Pikesville High School principal Eric Eiswert using racist and antisemitic language.
The recording led to Eiswert’s brief suspension. Experts, however, raised red flags due to the audio’s “flat tone, unusually clean background sounds, and lack of consistent breathing sounds or pauses.”
Investigation Leads to Arrest
An investigation by Baltimore County police traced the recording back to Dazhon Darien, a former athletic director at the school.
Authorities believe Darien used school computers to access AI voice cloning tools through services like OpenAI and Microsoft Bing Chat.
Additionally, an email address and linked phone number connected Darien to the recording’s release.
Motive and Charges
Police believe Darien created the fake recording to retaliate against Principal Eiswert, who was investigating the potential mishandling of school funds at the time.
Darien has been released on bail and faces charges including theft, disturbing school operations, retaliation, and stalking.
AI Voice Cloning: A Double-Edged Sword
The incident highlights the growing capabilities and potential pitfalls of AI voice cloning technology. While these services are becoming more realistic, their accessibility raises concerns about misuse.
Recent examples include a political party in Pakistan using AI to mimic a former leader’s voice for campaigning, and fake robocalls impersonating President Biden.
The Future of AI Voice Cloning
OpenAI, a research company at the forefront of AI development, has restricted public access to its powerful voice cloning tool, Voice Engine, citing the lack of safeguards surrounding the technology.
Meanwhile, US lawmakers are seeking to address these concerns with proposed bills like the No Fakes Act and the No AI Fraud Act, which aim to prevent unauthorized use of a person’s voice, face, or name.
This case underscores the need for both advancements and regulations in AI voice cloning technology to ensure its responsible use.
