Sharing of explicit AI images in Armagh school being investigated by police

Police have launched an investigation after reports that explicit AI-generated images have been shared among pupils at a County Armagh school.

The headmaster of the Royal School Armagh, Graham Montgomery, confirmed “that a matter involving some of our pupils was brought to our attention and referred to the appropriate authorities”.

“We have robust policies and procedures in place and where concerns are raised, we seek and follow advice from educational and other statutory authorities and take all appropriate action as advised,” he said.

“We will continue to do that and the safety and well-being of all our pupils remains our highest priority”.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police have received a report that AI-generated explicit images had been shared amongst pupils at a County Armagh school.

“An investigation is under way and local officers are also engaging with the appropriate school authorities and the parents/guardians of the pupils affected.”

The social media website X has been criticised by politicians in Northern Ireland, London and Dublin after reports its AI chatbot, Grok, was facilitating the creation of sexualised images of women and children.

Last week, UK Justice Secretary David Lammy brought forward legislation to make it illegal to generate sexual deepfake images without consent.