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Massachusetts Cracks Down on AI Deepfake Harassment in Schools

State Issues Urgent Warning Against Non-Consensual AI Images

The Massachusetts Department of Education has issued a stern warning to school leaders across the state: sharing non-consensual AI-generated sexual images of students is illegal, and failure to address the issue will not be tolerated.

The warning comes after a shocking report revealed that out of 113 school districts, only nine policies mention AI-generated sexual harassment, and a mere five explicitly state that students will face disciplinary action. The state’s new guidance clarifies that deepfakes—fabricated images or videos—can trigger mandatory reporting if they cause harm to a child. Resources on cyberbullying, digital literacy, and AI ethics have been provided to help schools navigate this growing crisis.

A Mother’s Fight for Justice

The urgency of the situation was underscored by the case of Megan Mancini, whose daughter was victimized by a fake nude AI image circulating at Hingham Middle School. Despite her pleas, school officials took no action against the student who created the image, leaving Mancini with no recourse—until she went public.

Her story caught the attention of Governor Maura Healey, who called Mancini directly and expressed her "appalled" reaction to the school’s inaction. Healey has since urged parents to discuss deepfakes with their teens, emphasizing that such actions are not only harmful but illegal.

A Widespread Crisis Beyond Massachusetts

The problem of AI deepfake harassment is not isolated to the Bay State. A national study revealed that 15% of students reported seeing explicit AI-generated images in just the past year. Some platforms allow teens to create these images for as little as five dollars, making the issue alarmingly accessible.

In West Newbury, Pentucket Middle-High School discovered a student account sharing AI-generated "inappropriate images" of classmates. The district is now investigating, though no charges have been filed yet. While the school handbook prohibits technology-based harassment, it fails to explicitly address AI deepfakes, leaving a dangerous loophole.

The Fight for Stronger Protections

Despite the growing threat, only a quarter of teachers nationwide report having policies in place to handle deepfakes, according to the Center for Democracy and Technology.

In Hingham, State Senator Patrick O’Connor has taken up Mancini’s cause, advocating for stricter laws against child pornography and AI misuse. Parents are demanding action, insisting that the school district must update its handbook immediately to prevent further harm.

"The school needs to act," one parent stated. "No one else should have to suffer like this."

What’s Next?

With AI technology advancing rapidly, schools and lawmakers are now under immense pressure to close legal loopholes and enforce consequences for those who create and distribute non-consensual deepfakes.

The question remains: Will Massachusetts lead the charge in protecting students—or will others have to suffer the consequences first?