AI-Generated Sexual Deepfakes Affect Hundreds of Students Worldwide

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:23:00 +0200

A global review by WIRED and Indicator has revealed that AI-generated deepfake sexual images of students are a growing crisis in schools. Since 2023, at least 90 schools in 28 countries have reported incidents involving more than 600 students, mostly teenage girls, targeted by classmates using 'nudify' apps. These apps manipulate social media photos to create non-consensual explicit content, which is considered child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Victims report severe emotional and psychological distress, including humiliation, fear, and avoidance of school. Responses by schools and law enforcement have been inconsistent, sometimes delaying action or imposing minimal consequences on perpetrators. Surveys from UNICEF, Thorn, and other organizations suggest the problem is far more widespread, affecting millions of children worldwide. Schools are experimenting with protective measures, such as limiting the use of student images on social media or yearbooks. Experts highlight that the issu