Stanford University confirms use of AI-edited student photos amid controversy

Stanford University confirmed that its R&DE department used generative AI to modify the appearances of multiple students in a promotional image, including changing clothing, slimming the faces of two students, and completely changing one student's race, gender, and appearance. The university stated that this practice violates its AI policy prohibiting the use of AI to generate or modify images of Stanford people, events, research, and facilities, and was not disclosed; it is providing additional training for staff and strengthening material review. The image in question was originally used as a banner for the Governor's Corner student residence center and has now been removed.