Three schools in Southern California are embroiled in a scandal involving digitally manipulated images of students on a messaging app.

The Los Angeles Unified School District is investigating the allegations and has promised disciplinary action if necessary.

The controversy at Fairfax High School, Laguna Beach High School, and Beverly Vista Middle School reflects a growing concern over 'deepfakes'.

Deepfakes, which are AI-manipulated media that can convincingly replace one person's likeness with another's, are causing alarm among public figures.

Legislation named the DEFIANCE Act has been introduced by Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez to help victims of deepfakes seek civil action against creators and distributors.

The DEFIANCE Act was introduced to the House on March 7 and is currently under review by the Committee on the Judiciary.