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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1522076
Explore A.I. Misuse In a startling case of A.I. misuse, a high school principal in Maryland found himself at the center of a scandal when an audio recording of him making racist and antisemitic remarks went viral. However, investigations revealed that the principal was a victim of an elaborate AI-generated hoax orchestrated by a PE teacher. Earlier this year, the principal was placed on paid administrative leave after the offensive recording surfaced. Public outrage followed, questioning why he wasn’t immediately fired. NBC News reported that the principal’s suspension was a precautionary measure, as it became clear that the recording was falsified using AI technology. Baltimore County Police Chief Robert McCullough confirmed the finding, stating, “We now have conclusive evidence that the recording was not authentic… It’s been determined the recording was generated through the use of artificial intelligence technology.” The investigation uncovered a history of conflict between the principal and the PE teacher, dubbed “Mr. PE.” The principal had been investigating Mr. PE for financial misconduct and unauthorized personnel decisions, which allegedly motivated the creation of the fake audio. The recording was disseminated to several teachers via email, traced back to an ISP linked to Mr. PE’s grandmother and accessed using school resources. Further incriminating evidence included the use of AI tools like OpenAI and Microsoft Bing Chat by Mr. PE in the weeks leading up to the incident, and the recovery number for the email account linked to Los Angeles, where Mr. PE had connections. Mr. PE was arrested at the airport, attempting to leave the state the day after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Authorities detained him when he failed to properly declare a firearm, revealing his outstanding warrant. He faces multiple charges including stalking, theft, disruption of school operations, and retaliation against a witness. An official from Baltimore County Public Schools acknowledged the severe impact on the school community and the principal’s family. While there’s relief that the responsible party is facing justice, the long-term damage remains a concern. A union representative expressed hopes for healing and restoration for all affected parties. This incident highlights the misuse of AI as a tool for personal vendettas rather than systemic dangers. The real threat came from an individual exploiting technology for malicious purposes, not from AI itself. FCC Proposes AI Disclosure in Political Ads Amid Rising Concerns In light of recent AI-related incidents impacting political processes, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering a new regulation requiring political ads with AI-generated content to disclose this fact. This move comes as the 2024 elections approach and follows a series of alarming events where AI was used to manipulate voters. Just over a week ago, the FCC suggested that political advertisements containing AI-generated material should include a clear disclosure to inform viewers. This proposal arrives in the wake of a notorious incident in New Hampshire, where deepfake technology was used to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice, urging voters to abstain from the primary election. The incident, detailed in *The Register*, involved a single individual who managed to create a deepfake recording of President Biden. The person then employed a telemarketing firm to disseminate the fake message to over 5,000 voters, all for a mere $500. This effort was traced back to a spoofed number belonging to a former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair. The man behind the deepfake unabashedly acknowledged his actions to NBC News, stating, “For $500, I got about $5 million worth of action, whether that be media attention or regulatory action.” He now faces substantial penalties, including a $6 million fine