16-year-old student in Malaysia arrested for creating and selling lewd AI-generated deepfake of schoolmates

MALAYSIA: A disturbing case has emerged in Malaysia, where a 16-year-old male student at Foon Yew High School, an independent Chinese school in Kulai, Johor, allegedly created and sold explicit AI-generated deepfake images of female students. The manipulated images, which were distributed on social media and private Telegram groups, have sparked outrage among the public and victimised students, who are now speaking out about the emotional and psychological toll of the incident. On 8 April, Foon Yew High School confirmed that it is cooperating with local authorities to address the situation. The victims, mostly current and former female students, filed police reports after discovering that a male student had used AI to create explicit images of them by altering their public Instagram photos. The altered content was sold and circulated on Telegram in a private group of over 200 members, where members discussed and distributed the material. The deepfake photos also appeared on X (formerly Twitter), gaining significant traction.

In response, the school has pledged to take firm action and ensure that those responsible face consequences, affirming that ethical violations will not be tolerated. Local authorities are currently investigating the case, with police confirming the seizure of a phone believed to be used by the suspect. Victims Speak Out: Psychological and Emotional Impact The victims have shared the devastating emotional impact of the incident. One victim expressed feeling deeply humiliated and traumatized after discovering explicit deepfakes of herself online. "I was frozen when I saw it," she said, recalling the moment she saw her face altered and placed on another woman's body. Many victims reported ongoing anxiety and fear that their privacy would be further violated. According to a report by China Press, some have struggled with sleeplessness, and others described feeling as if they had been "virtually assaulted." Victim-blaming has been reported, with some peers and teachers dismissing the gravity of the situation. The victims are calling for greater awareness of the psychological harm caused by digital exploitation. A press conference is scheduled for 12 April, where the victims' representative will provide further evidence and updates, WeirdKaya reported. "This isn't just about us; it’s about preventing this from happening again," said one victim, urging stronger action from the authorities.

Screenshots of the victim's post were also shared on other social media platforms. Telegram Group: A Platform for Exploitation The Telegram group where the deepfake images were circulated is at the heart of the scandal. According to WeirdKaya, not only did it serve as a marketplace for the sale of the altered images, but it also fostered a disturbing environment where members discussed and voted on which girls to target next. The group included graphic discussions about the victims, with some members describing their images in sexual terms. Despite the exploitative nature of the group, members were aware of the illicit activities, as evidenced by a pinned message instructing participants to "respect the girls' privacy" and not share the content publicly. This message, however, was clearly an attempt to shield the perpetrators from scrutiny while they continued their harmful actions. School's Response: Criticism of Handling While the school initially launched an internal investigation, some victims have criticized its response to the situation. One victim revealed that a teacher had dismissed the severity of the incident, referring to the perpetrator as "just a child" and suggesting the matter could be handled with counseling. Others expressed frustration that the suspect continued to attend classes while the investigation was ongoing, feeling that the school was not taking adequate action. This lack of urgency has added to the frustration felt by the victims, who are calling for a more decisive and transparent response from both the school and the authorities. Police Investigation and Legal Action The Johor police have arrested the suspect who allegedly created and sold the AI-generated explicit images for RM2 (approximately US$0.45) each. Investigators have seized his phone as part of their inquiry, and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is also involved in the case. Authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward and report their experiences. Malaysian Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching has called for swift legal action, emphasizing the need for a robust response to digital harassment. Public and School Community Reactions As the news of the scandal spreads, reactions from social media users have been swift. Many have condemned the perpetrator and expressed sympathy for the victims, while others have criticized the school for its lack of accountability.