Scandal over AI-generated nudes at US middle school exposes gaps in law

Security guards stand outside at Beverly Vista Middle School on Feb 26, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. A spokesman for the Beverly Hills police said no arrests have been made and the investigation is continuing. — Los Angeles Times/TNS

If an eighth-grader in California shared a nude photo of a classmate with friends without consent, the student could conceivably be prosecuted under state laws dealing with child pornography and disorderly conduct.

If the photo is an AI-generated deepfake, however, it’s not clear that any state law would apply.