Artificial Intelligence Can Make You Racist

How AI Can Make You Racist?

A Maryland high school athletic director has been charged with using advanced artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of Pikesville High School Principal, Eric Eiswert, accusing him falsely of making racist and antisemitic remarks towards faculty and students.

Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police announced that investigators were able to confirm the recording's artificial origin. The voice had been fabricated using AI technology, according to police findings.

Dazhon Darien, aged 31, was taken into custody on charges including stalking, theft, disruption of school activities, and witness retaliation, following a thorough probe by the Baltimore County Police. Digital forensics expert Hany Farid, a University of California, Berkeley professor, was among those who scrutinized the recording and found it inauthentic. The analysis also involved the FBI and another independent analyst.

The alarming ease with which deepfakes can be generated was highlighted in this case, demonstrating how artificial intelligence can be skillfully exploited with potential criminal intent. Farid warned that the incident signals a wider vulnerability within society where anyone could potentially fall victim to technology-manipulated disinformation.

The alleged retaliation by Darien against Principal Eiswert started in January, traced back to professional disagreements and matters including mismanaged school funds and unauthorized decisions by Darien. According to the police, Darien was addressing a possible non-renewal of his contract with these actions.

The voice recording at the center of the case was disseminated on social media in January and led to a cascade of negative consequences for Eiswert, including his temporary suspension and a flood of hate messages, impacting the school's operations and community.

Detectives learned of the fabricated recording on January 17, which led to the expansive investigation. Darien's arrest occurred at an airport while he was detained for unrelated security reasons. With his initial court date scheduled for June 11, Darien was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

The incident raises grave concerns about regulatory responses to the misuse of deepfake technology. Despite decades of advancements in digital manipulation, authorities appear hesitant to implement stringent controls or develop laws that can thwart such incidents, safeguard victims, and penalize perpetrators effectively.

Principal Eiswert has been on leave since the public emergence of the recordings, with interim district staff managing the school. Superintendent Myriam Rogers of Baltimore County Public Schools has indicated that there may be serious administrative repercussions for Darien.

Highlighting a clear disconnect between current legislation and rapid technological advancements used in crimes, Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski underscored the urgent need for legal reforms to catch up with the technologies employed in such offenses.