A Baltimore County teacher has been arrested on charges including disrupting school activities after allegedly creating a deepfake audio recording of the school principal making racist and anti-Semitic remarks. The incident, which sent shockwaves through the community earlier this year, has now been attributed to a technological manipulation attempt.
According to Baltimore County Police, the deepfake recording featured a voice resembling Principal Eric Eiswert of Pikesville High School. In the recording, the voice purportedly expresses frustration with Black students' test scores and uses offensive language towards Jewish individuals. The recording caused significant disruption, with Principal Eiswert placed on leave while an investigation unfolded. He also faced threats and harassment due to the accusations.
The investigation revealed that the deepfake audio was allegedly created by a school employee, Dazhon Darien. Authorities believe Darien used artificial intelligence software to manipulate Principal Eiswert's voice and fabricate the offensive content. News reports suggest the motive might be linked to potential disciplinary action Darien was facing from the principal.
Police arrested Darien at the airport as he attempted to leave the area. He now faces charges that could lead to jail time. School officials have expressed relief that the true origin of the recording has come to light and hope to move forward with a focus on rebuilding trust within the school community.
This incident highlights the growing concern surrounding deepfakes and their potential to spread misinformation and sow discord. Deepfake technology, while still under development, is becoming increasingly sophisticated and raises significant challenges for discerning authentic content from manipulated media.