Parents take action after AI-altered images of students circulate at Vredendal High School

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that parents of learners at Vredendal High School in the West Coast, have opened cases with police after pictures of girls' faces were allegedly photoshopped onto nude pictures using artificial intelligence (AI) and circulated in the school.

Millicent Merton, spokesperson for the WCED said while they were made aware of the matter, there was no substantial evidence to support the claims and that parents had opened cases with the police.

Merton explained: “The school received a report of AI-altered pictures of female learners that had been circulated. The school initiated an investigation.

"The evidence allegedly could not substantiate charges against any particular learner. This is an issue many schools face when dealing with cyber bullying and finding the original source.

"There is also no evidence that the images were generated inside of school hours. The SGB will take action should further evidence be presented.

"The school is aware that some parents have laid charges at SAPS and have committed to assisting SAPS in this regard.

"This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated and can result in extreme harm and damage to the victims involved. It is important parents have discussions with their children about online safety and the risks associated with their digital footprint.”

She said that the WCED engaged with the school regarding counselling support and further enquiries will be made regarding the allegations.

“As an education awareness campaign, the WCED has created resources that highlight the harm we do by simply liking, sharing, or commenting on a harmful post and have created a set of online videos to show learners and the general public, exactly how to #StopTheShare for this type of harmful content."

"The WCED has issued several guidelines on e-Safety in schools such as Educating towards responsible and ethical use of ICT in education, Guidelines on Cellular phones and other mobile technologies in public schools, and Guidelines on Social Media and Networking in Public Schools," she said.

The WCED has also worked with Google to develop an Online Safety Curriculum Guideline that seeks to teach learners the fundamentals of digital safety and are grade specific. The lessons have been rolled out through the Life Orientation programme.

There are also numerous anti-bullying campaigns at both district and school level and a Positive Behaviour programme that supports positive behaviour and life choices.”

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