In a stark warning about the dark side of artificial intelligence, Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has highlighted the urgent need for ethical safeguards against AI misuse, particularly in social media and educational settings.

Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a positive tool. The Ulster Unionist Party addressed this in their 2024 Westminster manifesto; it also addressed the harmful nature of AI and the need for ethical practices to be covered through legislation. Sadly, what we are seeing, at present, is the abuse of AI on social media that is bleeding into society and worryingly into our schools.

“The news that the police have launched a criminal investigation into a group of boys at The Armagh Royal Academy shows just how this insidious use of AI is having a negative effect. These fake sexualised AI images of female pupils are incredibly harmful, and they will continue to damage the individual long after any criminal investigation has been concluded. The images will remain a constant digital imprint long into the future.

“The principal and staff of the Armagh Royal should be commended for their swift actions in informing the authorities and the police of this issue. The police should be commended for opening a criminal investigation at pace, ensuring this is taken seriously.  This is not ‘high jinks’ by those pupils involved or just innocent banter; it is criminal behaviour that will have a long lasting effect on those involved. This is deliberate, degrading, and visual sexual exploitation of female pupils that we can’t just ignore and we must address as part of the ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls’.

“Worryingly, this trend is part of a deeper issue infecting society and particularly the young.  Recent studies show that  a third of children up to the age of 13 are exposed to hardcore pornography, and half to pornography including children as young as 9. This is beginning to normalise sexual content, and its effect is a desensitised youth that thinks sharing these AI generated sexual images are harmless.

“Any pupil who has been sent these AI generated images should inform the police immediately through their family or through the school authorities, and they must not share them. Being sent and retaining these sexualised images of young girls, even without permission, is an offence and could lead to criminal charges.  So speak up and don’t be part of the problem.

“At this stage, I hope the Education Authority is working with the school to ensure all those affected are receiving the support they require."