The Day "Graduation Albums" Disappear: The Evolution of Protecting Memories Amidst Risks of Sexual Manipulation and Information Leaks

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: New Risks Faced by "Treasures"

2. The History and Social Role of Yearbooks

3. The Issue of Sexual Manipulation in the Age of Generative AI

4. Information Leakage, Identity Risk, and Legal Regulations

5. Cost, Declining Birthrate, and Teacher Burden: The Structure Giving Rise to Abolition Arguments

6. "Don't Get Rid of It!" Voices from Parents and Graduates

7. Evolving Yearbooks: The Forefront of Digitalization and Hybridization

8. Overseas Examples and International Comparisons

9. Future Challenges and Recommendations

10. Conclusion: Preserving "Memories" for the Future
    
    

1. Introduction: New Risks Faced by "Treasures"

Yearbooks are a "memory archive" that compiles the faces, names, and school life trajectories of graduates into one volume. However, in recent years, the creation of sexual deepfakes using generative AI and data breaches due to cyberattacks have become frequent, leading to calls for their abolition.FNN Prime Online

2. The History and Social Role of Yearbooks

Originating from photo albums in the Meiji period, yearbooks became established in schools nationwide after the war. Since the 1990s, we have entered the "era of total photographers," and in the smartphone generation, selfies and social media have become the main means of sharing memories. Nonetheless, the "tactile feel" of paper booklets remains special.

3. The Issue of Sexual Manipulation in the Age of Generative AI

• Rapid Increase in Victims: Cases where children's and students' facial photos are converted into nude images in just 30 seconds are spreading to elementary, middle, and high school students. The number of consultations with the National Police Agency exceeds 100.FNN Prime Online

• Misuse of Yearbooks: Requests for manipulation surge in March and April, right after distribution. On social media, "#晒し" (exposing) is rampant, with cases where classmates become perpetrators.FNN Prime Online

• Legal Gray Zone: The Child Pornography Prohibition Act only protects "real children," making it difficult to crack down on composite images. Experts recommend early legal revisions and the introduction of AI watermarking technology.MBS Mainichi Broadcasting

4. Information Leakage, Identity Risk, and Legal Regulations

There have been reports of yearbook production companies being victimized by ransomware, with completed data and personal information being published on the dark web. Educational institutions are required to comply with the revised "Educational Information Security Policy Guidelines" by 2025, but implementation costs are heavy for small and medium-sized schools.

5. Cost, Declining Birthrate, and Teacher Burden: The Structure Giving Rise to Abolition Arguments

In schools with few students, a burden of 30,000 to 50,000 yen per book arises, and overtime for teachers due to tasks like photography and layout confirmation has become the norm. In Niigata Prefecture, many schools are considering reducing production or abolishing it altogether.TBS NEWS DIG

6. "Don't Get Rid of It!" Voices from Parents and Graduates

• Survey Results: 83.6% of parents are satisfied with graduation albums, and 93.3% say they are "necessary."Press Release & News Release Distribution Share No.1 | PR TIMES

• Psychological Value: There is a "generation gap" where parents say, "I don't look back at it, but I want to leave it for my child."FNN Prime Online

• Resistance to Abolishing Yearbooks: Blog articles also point out that "over 80% of parents wish to continue," and hashtags like "Don't erase memories" are spreading on social media.Hiroyuki Umeno Official Blog | Information on Education, Schools, and Entrance Exams in Saitama Prefecture

7. Evolving Yearbooks: The Forefront of Digitalization and Hybridization

In Japan, photo studios have started "self-create" projects where children edit themselves, and there are attempts to use AI to assist with layout.TBS NEWS DIG

8. Overseas Examples and International Comparisons

• United States: Paper + digital subscription is standardized. State laws equivalent to GDPR regulate data retention periods.

• South Korea: e-Albums with university entrance portfolio functions are rapidly growing.

• United Kingdom: There is a background of a teacher check system by "DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service)," linked with measures against sexual risks.MBS Mainichi Broadcasting

9. Future Challenges and Recommendations

1. Legal Development: Clearly prohibit synthetic child pornography and apply criminal penalties to AI-generated content.

2. Technical Standards: Tamper detection through watermarked photos and blockchain certification.

3. Appropriate Cost Sharing: Cost reduction through municipal subsidies and scale merits.

4. Literacy Education: Introduce curricula for children, parents, and teachers to learn about "the right to be photographed" and "the risk of appearing."

5. Introduction of Choice: Plan design allowing families to choose from paper, digital, or hybrid options.

10. Conclusion: Preserving "Memories" for the Future

Yearbooks have always been more than just photo albums; they have been "time capsules" connecting friends and oneself. To preserve their value, society as a whole needs to explore a third path that is not a binary choice between paper and digital, but one that "evolves safely." When technology, law, and on-site burdens are simultaneously resolved, yearbooks will be passed on to the next generation in a new form.