The Joint Commissioner of Police in Guwahati stated on Friday that authorities are examining allegations of deepfake images involving students from two prominent private schools. The police have spoken with principals, staff, councillors, and whistle-blowers to gather information about the case.
Investigation Details
The police are scrutinizing the alleged chats where deepfake photos were reportedly circulated. The identity of both victims and accused boys will be kept confidential, and proceedings will follow juvenile justice laws, the joint CP confirmed.
Three boys from the two schools are accused of creating explicit deepfake images and videos of at least 64 female schoolmates and teachers. The images were allegedly made using photos taken from individual and school Instagram accounts, and then sold online.
Cyber Crime Police Response
Cyber Crime Police Station Officer-in-Charge Chandan Das noted that while the schools submitted a narrative, they failed to provide any deepfake images, web links, or IP addresses as evidence.
On Saturday, both schools backtracked on the deepfake allegations, citing a lack of evidence. This came a day after they initially alleged that certain students had created deepfake photos of female classmates and staff.
School Statements
A Public Relations Officer of one private school told the Times of India, “We have provided only information to the Cyber Police Station and not lodged any complaint with the police as we do not have any evidence.”
In a statement issued on Friday, the school authorities said they became aware of the allegations on June 11 regarding the creation and circulation of digitally manipulated images purportedly involving certain students and staff. The matter was referred to appropriate school committees, including the Child Abuse Monitoring Committee, and a preliminary inquiry is underway.
“Meetings have also been held with the concerned parents and guardians. As an interim measure, the students directly involved have been placed under suspension… Upon completion of the enquiry, further actions will be taken in accordance with school regulations and applicable laws,” one school stated.
