Maryland Athletic Director Faces Criminal Charges for Misusing AI to Create Fake Recording
Dazhon Darien, a high school athletic director in Maryland, is facing criminal charges after using artificial intelligence to create a fake recording of Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert. The recording, which made Eiswert appear racist and antisemitic, was determined by Baltimore County Police to be generated through AI technology and not authentic.
Darien has been arrested on charges of stalking, theft, disruption of school operations, and retaliation against a witness. Experts warn that this case illustrates the potential for criminal misuse of AI technology, as anyone can create deepfake audio and visual recordings for a few dollars.
Analysis of the recording was conducted by experts at the University of California, Berkeley, the FBI, and Baltimore County Police. The incident began in January as retaliation against Eiswert over work performance challenges and a financial investigation, leading to tensions between the two men and the creation of the fake recording.
As a result of the fake recording, Eiswert was temporarily removed from the school, causing threats and disruptions to the school community. Darien was arrested at the airport while attempting to board a flight to Houston and has since been released on bond.
This case highlights the vulnerability of individuals to be targeted by deepfake technology and raises concerns about the lack of regulation and consequences for those misusing AI technology. Baltimore County Public Schools is taking action regarding Darien’s conduct and may recommend termination.
The incident underscores the need for updated laws related to AI technology and consequences for its misuse. As technology continues to advance, it is crucial that proper measures are put in place to prevent the misuse of AI for malicious purposes.
