A Calgary teenager has been charged for offences related to creating child sex abuse and exploitation material by using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Police say the 17-year-old high school student used AI to sexualize photos of girls from several different high schools around the city.
The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation unit executed a search warrant on Nov. 13 and seized two cell phones, a tablet and a laptop.
The investigation was originally launched a month prior, after officers received a tip the images had been shared on social media.
“What teens need to realize is that creating these images and sharing deep fakes is considered an extreme form of bullying and a criminal offence, and we will take action against it,” Staff Sgt. Mark Auger said.
“This is not a joke. It’s not a prank.”
The offender cannot be named due to the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
“Al can recreate almost anything, good or bad, and the caveat we always use is it is not necessarily bad platforms or software, it’s bad behavior utilizing those platforms and software.”
The release mentions “child porn” is an outdated term.
“In 2024, an amendment was passed by Parliament, replacing the term ‘child pornography’ in the Criminal Code with child sexual abuse and exploitation material,” officials said.
“Child advocates have argued that the term ‘pornography’ implies consent, while the new term more accurately conveys the abuse and exploitation offenders inflict onto victims.”
Charges laid against the teen are: making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, along with criminal harassment.
The teen has already made one appearance and is next due in court on Jan. 8, 2026.
