Cookeville High Teens accused of using AI for explicit images. (FILE)
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) —A new investigation at Cookeville High School is putting a spotlight on how teenagers are using artificial intelligence.
On Aug. 31, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office learned about possible sharing of sexually explicit images at the school.
Investigators say two teenagers got photos from the internet and used an AI program to turn them into sexual images, then shared those pictures with others.
They also shared other explicit images already stored on one of their phones.
Deputies took both teenagers to the Putnam County Juvenile Detention Center.
One is charged with one count of aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of especially aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, while the other faces two counts of each charge.
Sheriff Farris said, “Technology continues to change, but the responsibility that comes with using it does not. Everyone needs to understand that inappropriately using Artificial Intelligence can have very serious complications. I encourage parents to talk with their children about responsible technology use and make sure they understand what they create, save or share on a phone can have consequences.
The school system said it remains committed to keeping students and staff safe, especially as technology and AI tools progress. The school system also said students caught making, sharing, or keeping digitally altered images designed to embarrass or harm someone else will face the strongest penalties allowed, asking parents to talk about digital responsibility and ethics with their children.
Anyone who knows more about the case is asked to contact Detective Boyer at 931-528-8484.
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The investigation is ongoing.
