AI Generated Images

The issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated images is becoming more common as the quality of the generated images becomes increasingly more realistic. 

Things to keep in mind when navigating online:

• Not all images/video online are real. AI generated/altered media is now readily available and accessible with several free platforms at hand which allow people to generate their own AI content.
• Some AI images have signs of manipulation such as unnatural human features and warped backgrounds.  However, many of the images are very realistic making it difficult to identify as real or fake.
• Even though the images/videos are AI generated, sharing or creating them can still have legal consequences. Specifically related to online child exploitation, any AI generated images that are sexual in nature of person(s) under the age of 18 are still classified as Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material as per the Criminal Code.
• Further, if these images are being used to harass or ‘cyber-bully’ someone a variety of additional criminal offences could apply

Members of the public are encouraged to report any harmful fake images/video immediately as they would with ‘real’ images.  Do not share the media with others. In an effort to assist with a potential investigation gather as much information as possible, i.e. who shared it, who saw it, any accompanying messages etc.

Resources for those impacted include:

• Cybertip.ca – Canada’s national tip line for reporting the online sexual exploitation of children.
• Take It Down –  A free service provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that can help remove online nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit photos and videos of persons under 18