PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Mandatory reporters in Pennsylvania will soon be required to alert authorities immediately if they learn, or even suspect students have used artificial intelligence to make illicit photos or videos of classmates.
A bill enacting that requirement is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk, after passing both the state House and Senate unanimously this week.
Republican state Sen. Scott Martin of Lancaster County said officials at Lancaster County Day School learned students were using AI to create explicit deepfake images of classmates. While they talked to the students involved, they didn’t notify law enforcement. Those students continued with the deepfakes, victimizing others.
“These crimes have affected their schoolwork, their home life, and their mental health,” he said. “Let me be clear in saying no young person should ever have to endure this sort of pain and degradation.”
The bill would require mandatory reporters, like teachers, coaches and school staff, to immediately report even a suspicion of the images, or face legal consequences.
The bill will also add hazing to the mandatory reporting list, according to Montgomery County Democratic state Sen. Art Haywood.
Haywood pointed to the 2025 locker room beating of a 15-year-old at Cheltenham High School inspiring the addition. The assault and alleged cover-up led to the season being cancelled.
“It was just heartbreaking to hear how the hazing affected the young man, the community, and all those in the school,” he said.
The incident also led to criminal charges against four coaches and several players.
