Three charged following nude AI images in Cascade

Three Cascade High School students have been charged in connection with an incident in which artificial intelligence was used to generate nude images of students, according to Western Dubuque Community School District officials. A statement from the district issued Tuesday notes that school officials are aware that the charges have been filed. The AI-generated images, which showed the faces of female Cascade High School students attached to nude bodies, were shared online this spring and prompted widespread concern from families. Officials with the Cascade Police Department told the Telegraph Herald that an investigation has been underway since the spring and that charges recently were filed but declined to share additional information. According to Western Dubuque district’s statement, “any student who has been charged as a creator or distributor of materials like those in question” will not be permitted to attend school in person at Cascade Junior/Senior High School. District officials said they could not share additional information due to the ongoing investigation and an obligation to maintain student confidentiality. A press release from the Dubuque Count Attorney’s Office says additional charges are expected against a fourth juvenile.