In the latest high-profile case, a former athletic director at a Baltimore County high school was arrested for using an AI voice cloning service to frame the school’s principal. This incident has sparked growing interest in AI-powered voice cloning technology and its potential risks.
Dazhon Darien, the former athletic director, allegedly used the school’s computers to access OpenAI tools and Microsoft Bing Chat services. The recording of a fake audio that circulated on social media in January led to the suspension of Pikesville High School Principal Eric Eiswert, who was accused of making racist and anti-Semitic comments. However, experts noted that the recording had a flat tone, clean background sounds, and lacked coherent breathing sounds or pauses.
The Baltimore County police were able to track down the recording to Darien, who was arrested at the airport and is facing charges including theft, disrupting school operations, retaliation against a witness, and stalking. This case highlights the dangers of using AI technology for malicious purposes and raises concerns about privacy violations.
Other cases of AI voice cloning misuse have also been reported across Pakistan and Texas. In response to growing misuse of AI technology, OpenAI decided to limit public use of its Voice Engine text-to-speech generation platform. US lawmakers have introduced bills to prevent tech companies from using an individual’s face, voice or name without permission.
This incident underscores the need for stricter regulations on AI voice cloning technology to prevent further misuse and harm. The potential consequences of these technologies can be significant and affect individuals and institutions alike. As AI continues to advance rapidly, it is essential that we address ethical and legal implications of its use before it leads to more serious consequences.
In conclusion, while AI voice cloning technology can be useful in certain applications such as language translation or customer service support; it is important that we address its ethical concerns before it becomes widely adopted by businesses or individuals without proper regulation or oversight.