Massachusetts State Rep Warns of AI Predator Loophole In State Law After Dover-Sherborn Scandal

In light of an incident involving Artificial Intelligence-generated explicit images in the Dover-Sherborn school district, Massachusetts state Representative Francisco Paulino (D–Methuen) is calling for the immediate passage of a bill aimed at closing legal loopholes that allow the exploitation of artificial intelligence for child sexual exploitation..“The incident at Dover-Sherborn, where students reportedly used artificial intelligence to create and share explicit images with classmates, highlights the urgent need to modernize our laws,” Paulino said in a written statement on Friday, May 9. “Although the images could not be confirmed as depicting real children, the emotional and social consequences were deeply serious. These images caused confusion, fear, and trauma—not only for those who may have been portrayed, but for every student who viewed or circulated them.”The bill, called "An Act To Enhance Protections Against Child Exploitation and Misuse of Emerging Technologies" (H.1931), aims to address a gap in Massachusetts law. Under current statutes, prosecutors often face challenges in proving that explicit content involves real, identifiable children, which has allowed AI-generated child sexual abuse material to circulate without legal consequences.“We cannot allow artificial intelligence to outpace our responsibility to protect children,” Paulino added. “The law must evolve to close the gaps that predators are already exploiting.”The call for legislative action follows a statement from the Dover Police Department, which described an incident in September 2024 involving local students.Dover Police Chief Joseph Vinci reported that male middle school students shared explicit AI-generated images of their female classmates.“Our investigation revealed that male students possessed and potentially shared images of clothed middle school girls from publicly available photos,” Vinci said in a written statement on Wednesday, May 7. “It was determined that one male juvenile student disseminated these photos of clothed students and included additional nude pictures of an unknown origin in these messages. The identities of the individuals in the explicit photos could not be determined.”The case was dismissed in court, as outlined by Dover-Sherborn Superintendent Elizabeth McCoy, who explained that the incident took place off school grounds and outside school hours. The district had previously notified the parents of the students involved and offered them the option to file formal complaints.“A matter that has been under investigation since last fall involving allegations of a few middle school students compiling digital photos of females we believe were taken from the internet,” McCoy wrote in a statement. “The incident occurred off school grounds and outside of school hours. The District did notify the parents/guardians of students known to be involved and provided those families the option to file formal complaints.”McCoy also said that the district has hired an independent investigator to examine whether there were any Title IX, bullying, or code of conduct violations. She said the investigation is continuing.Under the bill, adults caught possessing AI-generated child sexual abuse material or non-consensual explicit images in Massachusetts could face up to five years in state prison, or up to 2.5 years in jail for a first offense. Distributing the material could mean five to 15 years behind bars, while creating it — including with AI — carries a 10-to-20-year prison sentence. Repeat offenders face significantly harsher penalties, including up to 40 years for manufacturing.Juveniles who create explicit images of themselves or others would be steered toward diversion programs focused on education and rehabilitation. However, if there's evidence of coercion or exploitation, they could face the same penalties as adults.“The intent is predatory. The message is dangerous. And the harm is real,” Paulino concluded. “This legislation ensures that Massachusetts leads with clarity, compassion, and the urgency this issue demands.”The proposal is currently in the Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary; no action has been taken on it yet.

Massachusetts State Rep Warns of AI Predator Loophole In State Law After Dover-Sherborn Scandal

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