Listen to this article
Estimated 3 minutes
The audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.
A Calgary teen has been charged with several criminal offences after he allegedly used AI technology to sexualize photos of teen girls at several local high schools.
Investigators carried out a search warrant at the accused teen’s home on Nov. 13 and seized two cellphones, a tablet and a laptop, according to a release from the child exploitation unit (ICE) of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT).
The investigation started in October after ICE received a tip concerning child sex abuse materials being posted to social media.
It’s alleged the teen used AI to victimize teen girls who attended several different high schools in the Calgary area.
Police said they are not identifying the accused or the schools in order to protect the victims’ identities. The victims have been offered support services.
Police are warning anyone who comes across the images online to report them and not share them further.
The 17-year-old has been charged with making, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, along with criminal harassment.
“In the Criminal Code, child sexual abuse and exploitation material includes photos, videos and any visual representation of someone under the age of 18 or who is depicted as being under the age of 18, and is engaged in explicit sexual activity,” said ALERT ICE Staff Sgt. Mark Auger.
As of Oct. 10, the term “child pornography” no longer exists in Canada’s Criminal Code. It has been replaced by “child sexual abuse and exploitation material.”
‘This is not a joke’
Auger could not confirm if there was any connection between the accused and the girls whose pictures were targeted, or if they were chosen at random.
“Our biggest takeaway from today is we need people to understand that this is not a joke. It’s not a prank. This is the most extreme form of bullying and a criminal offence,” Auger said.
He said incidents like this are becoming more prevalent as technology improves and becomes more readily accessible.
The accused was released on several court-ordered conditions, including that he has no contact with people under 16 years old unless incidental through work or school, and that he does not have any electronics capable of accessing the internet other than for work or school.
His next court appearance is set for Jan. 8, 2026.
