Overview of the investigation
Police in New South Wales are investigating reports that explicit, digitally altered images using the faces of female students from a Sydney high school were circulated online. The investigation was confirmed by a Ryde area police spokesperson, who said officers attached to the Ryde Police Area Command have commenced inquiries. At this stage, authorities have provided limited additional detail as the probe unfolds.
Witnesses and families attended Eastwood Police Station on Wednesday evening to discuss the matter with local officers, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). The police statement emphasized that inquiries are ongoing and that there is no further information available at this time. Former school communications indicate that a male student who was sent the images reported the matter to the school, prompting parental involvement and police engagement.
School and government response
The Department of Education indicated the school is cooperating closely with police. A spokesperson noted that deepfakes pose significant risks to the wellbeing and privacy of students, underscoring the seriousness of the issue for school communities.
Acting NSW Education Minister Courtney Houssos said the incident would be discussed with the Department of Education secretary and at a national education ministers meeting. She described the reports as deeply concerning and highlighted that this is a nationwide challenge, albeit one that requires local action and strong safeguards within schools. Supports would be provided at the school involved as authorities continue their inquiries.
Legal and policy context
NSW has recently strengthened its legal framework to address the misuse of AI for creating intimate images without consent. The updated Crimes Act 1900 criminalizes producing sexually explicit deepfakes of a real, identifiable person, with penalties including up to three years in jail. Attorney-General Michael Daley stressed that the changes are designed to keep pace with evolving technology and to combat sexual exploitation, particularly in school settings where harm can be amplified by peer dynamics and online networks.
The broader policy environment includes ongoing discussions at the federal level regarding AI regulation and tools used to “nudify” or otherwise manipulate images. Federal and state leaders have signalled a willingness to use legal avenues to deter abuse while balancing privacy and free expression concerns.
What this means for schools and families
Educational institutions are increasingly confronting digital-age harms that extend beyond the classroom. Acting ministers and department officials acknowledge that microcosms of broader society—where students themselves are both a population at risk and potential perpetrators—require robust prevention, reporting mechanisms, and support services. Schools are urged to maintain clear policies on digital safety, consent, and the consequences of distributing manipulated imagery.
Experts suggest several practical steps for schools and families: regular digital literacy education, easy-to-access reporting channels for students to flag concerns, and confidential counselling resources to support affected students. Encouraging responsible online behavior and reinforcing the privacy rights of students are also critical components of a healthy school climate.
Looking ahead
As investigations proceed, authorities will assess the scope of the distribution, the identities involved, and the impact on victims. The NSW government has signposted a nationwide approach to this issue, recognizing that law enforcement, education departments, and communities must collaborate to deter exploitation and protect young people online. Updates are expected as more information becomes available, with the aim of ensuring accountability and restoring a safe learning environment for students.
