SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th March (EUROPA PRESS) –
An inquiry has been initiated by the Minors Group (Grume) of the National Police in Santa Cruz de Tenerife regarding two students from La Salle San Ildefonso School. The investigation focuses on the distribution, within ‘WhatsApp’ groups, of photos that have been altered using artificial intelligence to make their classmates appear naked.
As reported by ‘El Día’ and confirmed by sources from the National Police and the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Canary Islands to Europa Press, the regional authorities have also taken steps to involve educational inspection services and activate the sexual violence protocol, in addition to initiating a formal investigation.
The troublesome images came to light on one of the student’s phones on 21st February and have impacted at least three students from the school, as well as a separate group of individuals not associated with La Salle.
The matter was brought to the attention of the authorities by a concerned parent, who contacted the National Police, the Ministry of Education, and the school itself – a privately funded institution situated in the capital of the island.
According to reports, the school has escalated the issue to the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, which has commenced its own inquiry.
Under the educational protocol of the Canary Islands, institutions are mandated to promptly report any incidents concerning the privacy and dignity of students to the Educational Inspection and the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office. The case at La Salle’s marks the initial instance in the Canary Islands involving image manipulation through artificial intelligence.
Minister of Education, Poli Suárez, expressed his dismay over the “unfortunate news” emerging from the school premises, prompting the activation of investigative protocols to uncover the truth. He urged caution, stressing the importance of allowing the authorities and the school to carry out their investigations without undue interference.
Notably, La Salle San Ildefonso is a private institution that receives government funding and has not fully implemented the directive that restricts the use of mobile phones on school grounds, a measure recommended for private and government-assisted schools. Minister Suárez expressed confidence in their efforts to understand the root cause of the conflict, address its origins, and seek a resolution.
