A middle-school student in Taiwan produced AI-composited photographs of classmates' faces and uploaded them, the Liberty Times reported. Education authorities have confirmed the case and begun acting on it.

As generative AI tools spread, image compositing has become possible without any technical barrier. Cases in which what students begin as a 'joke' becomes a serious violation of personal rights are increasing.

For the students targeted, the durability of images circulating online is the heaviest burden. Even with removal requests, re-circulation is hard to stop completely.

Authorities say they will strengthen digital ethics education in schools. Teaching the standard of not infringing others' rights, rather than how to use the tools, is described as the urgent need.

Legally, liability varies with portrait rights, defamation, and whether sexually purposed composites were made. Even for minors, guidance and disciplinary procedures follow.

Korea, China and Taiwan are all revising rules on youth-made composite imagery. Families, too, would do well to look together at the tools their children use and their posting habits.