Criminal probe underway in Hong Kong over AI-generated porn at historic university

Hong Kong authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into a disturbing case at the University of Hong Kong, where a male law student is accused of using artificial intelligence to generate non-consensual deepfake pornographic images of over a dozen female students and teachers. This official probe, announced recently by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, follows a significant outcry from students at the city’s oldest institution, who expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they perceived as an inadequate response from the university itself. The incident sheds light on the rapidly evolving challenges posed by AI misuse and the urgent need for robust regulatory frameworks.

The allegations against the student came to light through a widely shared letter on Instagram from an account handled by three unidentified victims. This letter unveiled a shocking discovery: folders on the accused’s computer allegedly containing over 700 deepfake photos, carefully categorized by the victims’ names, along with the original pictures from which they were created. The victims’ narrative claims that the male law student supposedly gathered photos of the individuals from their social media accounts, later using AI tools to transform these images into explicit, pornographic material showcasing their faces. Although it’s not confirmed that these fake images were widely spread, their existence and the purported intent behind them have sparked a major controversy.

The timeline of events outlined by the victims indicates a concerning delay in the university’s response. The alleged discovery of these images and their reporting to the university occurred in February. However, it was not until March that the university reportedly interviewed some of the affected individuals. In April, one of the victims was informed that the accused student had provided a brief, 60-word “apology letter.” While the authenticity of this letter and the victim-run Instagram account’s statements could not be independently verified, the University of Hong Kong acknowledged its awareness of “social media posts concerning a student allegedly using AI tools to create indecent images.” The university’s initial public statement, issued on a Saturday, confirmed that it had issued the student a warning letter and demanded a formal apology to his affected peers.

This response, however, failed to quell the growing outrage among the student body. The victims, in their public letter, sharply criticized the university’s perceived inaction, lamenting that they were compelled to continue sharing classroom spaces with the accused student on at least four occasions. This forced proximity, they argued, inflicted “unnecessary psychological distress.” The broader student community subsequently intensified its demands for more decisive and stringent measures from the university administration.

The incident quickly escalated beyond the university campus, attracting the attention of Hong Kong’s highest official. Chief Executive John Lee publicly addressed the controversy during a news briefing, emphasizing the “responsibility of developing students’ moral character” that universities bear. He unequivocally stated that educational institutions should “deal with student misconduct seriously,” underscoring that “any conduct that causes harm to others may constitute a criminal offense and may also infringe individual rights and also privacy.” This high-level intervention signaled the gravity with which the authorities were beginning to view the case, transcending a mere internal university disciplinary matter.

The University of Hong Kong has since indicated a reevaluation of its approach. While initially not responding to specific media inquiries, it later informed local media outlets that it was conducting a further review of the incident and pledged to take additional action if deemed appropriate or if victims demanded more robust measures. Its statement conveyed a commitment to ensuring “a safe and respectful learning environment,” suggesting a recognition of the need for a stronger response to the concerns raised by the student community and the public.

The emergence of AI-generated deepfake pornography presents a complex legal and ethical quagmire globally. This form of non-consensual pornography involves the sophisticated alteration of existing images or the creation of entirely new ones using readily available artificial intelligence tools, designed to falsely depict individuals engaging in sexual acts. The legal landscape in Hong Kong, much like many other jurisdictions, is currently struggling to keep pace with the rapid advancements in this technology. While existing laws criminalize the “publication or threatened publication of intimate images without consent,” they do not explicitly outlaw the generation or personal possession of such fabricated content.

This gap in legislation presents major obstacles for both prosecution and safeguarding victims. In the United States, for example, President Donald Trump approved a law in May specifically outlawing the unauthorized online release of AI-created pornographic material. Nonetheless, federal legislation does not clearly outlaw the personal ownership of these images, and a district judge remarkably decided in February that simply having such material is under the protection of the First Amendment. This is in stark contrast to the strategies adopted by other countries. In South Korea, for instance, following several comparable scandals, legislation was passed last year that not only made the possession but also the consumption of such deepfake materials a crime, indicating a stricter approach to this sort of digital mistreatment.

The Hong Kong case serves as a poignant illustration of the urgent need for legal frameworks to evolve alongside technological capabilities. As AI tools become more accessible and sophisticated, the potential for their malicious use, particularly in creating realistic yet entirely fabricated intimate imagery, poses a profound threat to individual privacy, reputation, and psychological well-being. The lack of clear legal prohibitions on the creation or private possession of such material can leave victims feeling unprotected and authorities struggling to prosecute perpetrators effectively.

Beyond the legal aspects, the incident also highlights the responsibilities of educational institutions in fostering a safe and respectful environment, both online and offline. Universities are increasingly grappling with how to address digital misconduct that may not neatly fit into existing disciplinary codes, particularly when it involves advanced technologies like AI. The initial response by the University of Hong Kong, perceived as insufficient by its students, underscores the need for clear protocols, swift action, and strong support systems for victims of tech-facilitated abuse.

The criminal investigation by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data in Hong Kong marks a critical step towards addressing the issue more comprehensively. Its involvement signals that the authorities are now treating the matter with the seriousness it warrants, recognizing the potential criminal implications beyond mere academic misconduct. This investigation could set an important precedent for future cases involving AI-generated non-consensual content in Hong Kong, potentially influencing legislative reforms and strengthening victim protections.

The current debate at the University of Hong Kong acts as an international warning. It highlights the necessity for societies to actively establish solid legal, ethical, and institutional measures as artificial intelligence progresses, aiming to minimize its potential dangers. Safeguarding people from online misuse, particularly when advanced tools are employed to breach privacy and fabricate harmful content, is becoming a critical priority in our digital era. The results of this inquiry and the actions taken by the university will, without a doubt, be observed attentively as Hong Kong, along with the rest of the world, confronts the adverse aspects of technological advancement.