Editor’s Note
This article details a disturbing case in Calgary where a 17-year-old boy faces criminal charges for allegedly using AI to create sexualized images of teenage girls. It underscores the emerging and serious legal implications of AI misuse.
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.
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 It has been replaced by “child sexual abuse and exploitation material.”
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.
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.