Associated Incidents
ORRINGTON, Maine (WABI) - An area school department is coming to the defense of a teacher who they say is featured in a video that's been circulated online because the video is fake and was created using artificial intelligence.
AOS 47 Superintendent James Stoneton told parents a member of the teaching staff was the target of a malicious digital attack.
The district includes the Airline, Dedham, and Orrington School Departments.
Stoneton said the teacher was the victim of digital impersonation, and the video had no basis in reality.
The school says it's addressing the issue and offers its full support to the teacher involved.
The letter said a small group of students may have accessed and shared the video, but the account has since been reported and the post taken down.
Read the full letter sent parents below:
Dear AOS 47 Families,
I am writing to inform you about a deeply concerning matter that has recently come to our attention. One of our teaching staff has been the target of a malicious digital attack involving the use of Artificial Intelligence technology. Specifically, videos and photos falsely portraying the teacher were created and circulated online.
We want to be clear: these images are completely false and have no basis in reality. The teacher targeted by this attack is a valued and trusted member of our school community who has done nothing wrong. This is a case of digital impersonation---an increasingly common and harmful use of artificial intelligence---and we are treating it with the seriousness it deserves.
It has also come to our attention that a small number of students may have accessed and shared this content. We are addressing this through appropriate channels to respond thoughtfully and effectively. The online account that hosted the video has been reported, and it has been taken down.
We ask for your partnership in reinforcing with students the importance of using technology responsibly and the significant harm that can be caused by spreading misinformation or engaging with malicious content. If your child has questions or needs support, our staff is available to help. Should you have any concerns or information that may assist us in addressing this matter further, please don't hesitate to reach out directly. Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all members of our school community.
We also want to emphasize our strong support for the teacher involved. No one should be subjected to this kind of digital harassment, and we are committed to protecting their dignity and well-being.
James Stoneton II, Superintendent of Schools