Unveiling the Dangers of AI Voice Cloning: A Baltimore County Teacher’s Fake Principal Scandal and the Need for Ethical Regulations

The latest high-profile case involves a former physical education teacher and athletic director at a Baltimore County high school who was arrested for using an AI voice cloning service to frame the school principal. Interest in AI-powered voice cloning technology has been growing over the past year as services improve in sounding more human. Cases of improper use of apps and software for voice cloning have also been on the rise.

In this case, a recording circulated on social media in January that allegedly contained fake audio of Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert making racist and anti-Semitic comments. Experts noted that the recording had a flat tone, clean background sounds, and lacked coherent breathing sounds or pauses. The recording led to Eiswert’s brief suspension.

Baltimore County police tracked down the recording to Dazhon Darien, who allegedly used the school’s computers to access OpenAI tools and Microsoft Bing Chat services. He was linked to the release of the audio through an email address and associated recovery phone number. Darien was arrested at the airport and is facing charges including theft, disrupting school operations, retaliation against a witness, and stalking.

This case is not unique as other cases of AI voice cloning misuse have been reported around the world including in Pakistan and Texas. In response to growing misuse of AI technology, OpenAI decided to limit public use of its Voice Engine text-to-speech generation platform. US lawmakers have introduced bills aimed at preventing tech companies from using an individual’s face, voice or name without permission.

The Baltimore County Police Department along with cases from across the globe highlight the potential risks of AI voice cloning technology and the need for stricter regulations. Misuse of these technologies can have serious consequences on individuals or institutions which makes it imperative for addressing ethical and legal implications of their use before further harm occurs.