In the latest high-profile case, a former physical education teacher and athletic director of a Baltimore County high school was arrested for using an AI voice cloning service to frame the school principal. The use of AI-powered voice cloning technology has been on the rise over the past year as services improve in sounding more human. However, cases of improper use of apps and software for voice cloning have also been on the increase.
The Baltimore case involved a recording that circulated on social media in January, allegedly featuring 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.
Other cases of AI voice cloning misuse have been reported globally, including in Pakistan and Texas. In response to growing concerns about its misuse, OpenAI decided to limit public access to 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 case highlights potential risks associated with AI voice cloning technology and underscores the need for stricter regulations to prevent further harm and protect individuals from malicious use of these technologies.
In conclusion, it is essential to address ethical implications of AI technology use while developing new regulations that can help prevent further misuse of these technologies before they cause irreparable harm or damage institutions or individuals’ reputations negatively.