Calgary Police Address Rising Threat of AI-Generated Child Exploitation

In Calgary, authorities are sounding the alarm as incidents of AI-generated pornographic images targeting children and youth increase. Staff Sgt. Mark Auger of the Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team is urging parents to take proactive measures to safeguard their children online. He emphasizes the importance of securing social media profiles and limiting online friendships to known individuals to prevent the manipulation of publicly available images.

Auger stated, “As soon as you accept them as a friend or contact or a connection, you’re letting them into your house.” This warning follows the recent arrest of a 17-year-old boy who allegedly created and distributed sexualized images of teenage girls from various Calgary high schools using AI technology. The police have not disclosed the identities of the victims or the accused, as both are protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Legal Challenges and Growing Concerns

The police investigation revealed that the accused shared these manipulated images on social media platforms, prompting significant concern among law enforcement agencies. Auger noted the challenges of keeping pace with technological advancements, stating, “The AI capabilities and uses are growing faster than we can keep up, faster than we can monitor and faster than they can be regulated.”

Recent reports indicate that this Calgary case is not isolated. Other incidents involving the use of AI to create sexualized content have been reported across Canada, including instances in Winnipeg and Guelph. In these cases, the perpetrators were not charged, raising questions about the legal framework surrounding such offences.

According to the Internet Watch Foundation, the number of AI-generated child sexual abuse materials discovered online surged dramatically, rising from two cases in the first half of 2024 to nearly 1,300 in the same period in 2025. This alarming trend has intensified discussions around how to effectively prosecute offenders.

Balancing Accountability and Proportionality

Lara Karaian, a criminology expert at Carleton University, highlights the need for a careful approach in the judicial system. She argues that while accountability for perpetrators is crucial, the legal response should be proportionate to the crime committed. “Even though deepfake pornography is of a non-consensual nature, they’re not the same thing as sexual violations that have then been recorded and distributed non-consensually,” Karaian explained.

Karaian suggests that similar to the introduction of legislation in 2015 that criminalized the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, courts might consider applying existing laws to address issues related to AI-generated pornography. She cautions against using severe penalties typically associated with sexual abuse crimes for cases involving minors and AI technology, as such measures could lead to lifelong consequences, including registration on sex offender lists.

The ongoing developments in Calgary reflect a broader societal challenge as communities grapple with the implications of rapidly evolving technology on child safety. As police agencies work to adapt to these new threats, parents are encouraged to engage in open conversations with their children about online safety and the risks associated with social media.

This report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that balances technological innovation with the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. As law enforcement agencies and legal experts navigate these complex issues, the conversation around AI, child safety, and accountability will likely continue to evolve.