Artificial intelligence is reshaping nearly every facet of modern life, and unfortunately, its darker applications are now surfacing in schools across the country. At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we’ve seen an increasing number of inquiries from parents, students, and educators facing an alarming new threat: deepfake harassment. These digitally fabricated images and videos are often sexual in nature and are capable of destroying reputations and traumatizing young victims.
One recent case out of Hingham, Massachusetts has brought national attention to this issue. According to a June 11, 2025 report by Boston 25 News (“Hingham Family Files Title IX Complaint After Student Creates Deepfake Image of Their Daughter”), a middle school student allegedly used AI to generate and distribute a pornographic deepfake image of a female classmate. The victim’s family filed a Title IX complaint against the school district, accusing it of failing to adequately investigate and respond to the incident.
This case is not unique. As deepfake tools become easier to access and use, more schools are facing legal and ethical questions about how to respond. Below, we break down the national legal landscape and outline the critical steps families can take when confronted with similar digital harassment.
Understanding the Legal Stakes
Deepfakes are not just unethical—they can be illegal. Many states have updated their laws to criminalize the creation and distribution of sexually explicit synthetic media, especially when it involves minors. These laws often fall under “revenge porn” statutes or child exploitation provisions. Even if a school believes an incident occurred off-campus, Title IX obligations may still apply if the harassment impacts a student’s access to education.
The U.S. Department of Education revised its Title IX regulations in 2024 to make clear that nonconsensual deepfake pornography constitutes sexual harassment under federal law. Schools that fail to respond promptly and effectively to such incidents may be found in violation of Title IX and subject to federal investigation or civil litigation.
What Families Can Do: A Legal Action Plan
First, document everything. Save screenshots, messages, and any digital traces of the deepfake. These materials will be essential when reporting the incident.
Second, notify the school and submit a formal Title IX complaint. Even if the conduct occurred off-campus, the effects are felt within the school environment, and the institution is legally obligated to act.
Third, file a police report under your state’s applicable laws. Many jurisdictions now criminalize deepfakes involving minors. A formal criminal complaint can lead to law enforcement intervention and encourage school officials to act with the seriousness the matter deserves.
Fourth, consult a civil rights or education attorney. If the school fails to take proper action, an attorney can assist with filing a complaint with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), and if necessary, pursue civil claims under Title IX or state privacy and defamation laws.
A Nationwide Concern
This issue is not confined to one state or district. Across the United States, students are facing new forms of harassment that traditional school policies aren’t equipped to handle. Families need clear legal guidance, and schools must evolve quickly to protect students in the digital age.
To better understand the real-world application of these legal issues, readers can explore recent high-profile cases covered in the media involving students targeted by AI-generated deepfakes. One such example, cited above, includes the Hingham, Massachusetts incident first reported by Boston 25 News. These cases illustrate how both federal law and state statutes must be considered when addressing digital sexual harassment in schools.
At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we are committed to staying at the forefront of emerging legal threats to student safety and civil rights. If your child has been targeted by deepfake harassment, we are here to help you take swift and effective legal action.
Contact us today for a consultation and let us help protect your child’s future.