Police Urge Parental Action Amid Rising AI-Generated Porn Threat

In Calgary, authorities are raising alarms over the increasing prevalence of AI-generated pornographic images involving minors. As children and teenagers fall victim to these digitally manipulated images, police are advising parents on protective measures to enhance online safety. Staff Sgt. Mark Auger from Alberta’s Internet Child Exploitation team emphasizes the importance of securing social media profiles and restricting access to known contacts only.

Auger highlights that by allowing unknown individuals as friends or contacts, users inadvertently invite potential threats into their personal space. He explained, “As soon as you accept them as a friend or contact or a connection, you’re letting them into your house.” His comments come in light of recent events where a 17-year-old boy was charged with several offenses, including the creation and distribution of child sexual abuse materials. Allegedly, he used AI to fabricate sexualized images of teenage girls from various Calgary high schools and shared them on social media.

Escalating Concerns Over AI Technology

The identities of both the victims and the accused remain confidential under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The case was uncovered with the assistance of Calgary police, who are increasingly challenged by the rapid evolution of technology. Auger warns that as chat platforms become more encrypted, they present new risks that could hinder effective monitoring and reporting. “It’s not just in this very narrow offence group; the AI capabilities and uses are growing faster than we can keep up,” he said.

Recent data from the Internet Watch Foundation illustrates the alarming trend. Reports indicate that the number of AI-generated videos discovered online surged from just two in the first half of 2024 to nearly 1,300 during the same period in 2025. This spike raises critical questions about how to legally address these offenses and ensure appropriate consequences for perpetrators.

Auger noted that the nature of the material often influences the decision to charge an offender. For example, charges may be more likely if the material is used for extortion. “When it’s weaponized and used to hurt another person, that’s where it goes to a chargeable offence,” he asserted.

Legal Perspectives on AI-Generated Offenses

Lara Karaian, an expert from the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Carleton University, emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach in the courtroom. While accountability for offenders is essential, she argues that the legal response should appropriately reflect the nature of the crime. Karaian suggests that the existing child sex abuse laws may be too harsh for cases related to AI-generated pornography involving minors.

She points out that while deepfake pornography is non-consensual, it does not equate to traditional sexual violations that have been recorded and distributed without consent. “Even though deepfake porns are of a non-consensual nature, they’re not the same thing as sexual violations,” she explained. Karaian draws parallels to the introduction of federal regulations in 2015 that criminalized the non-consensual distribution of sexual images, also known as “revenge porn.” This legislation could provide a framework for prosecuting minors involved in AI-related offenses.

Karaian warns that charging minors with severe sexual abuse crimes may be an overly blunt instrument for handling AI offenses, given the potential consequences, such as mandatory registration on the sex offender list and compliance with DNA orders.

As authorities grapple with the rapid evolution of digital technology and its implications for youth safety, the focus remains on fostering safer online environments for children. Parents are encouraged to engage in proactive discussions with their children about online privacy and the potential dangers posed by AI-generated content.

This report highlights the pressing need for a coordinated response among law enforcement, legal experts, and families to address the challenges posed by AI technology in the realm of child safety.