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A Calgary teenager has been charged with several criminal offenses after allegedly using AI technology to sexualize photos of teenage girls at several local high schools.
investigator According to a release, the defendant executed a search warrant at the suspect teen’s home on Nov. 13 and seized two cell phones, a tablet, and a laptop. Division of Child Exploitation (ICE) Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT).
The investigation began in October after ICE received information about child sexual abuse posted on social media.
The teen allegedly used AI to victimize teenage girls attending several different high schools in the Calgary area.
Police said they are not identifying the suspect or the school to protect the identity of the victim. Support services are provided to victims.
Police are warning anyone who finds the images online to report them and not to share them further.
The 17-year-old is charged with producing, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material and criminal harassment.
“Under criminal law, child sexual abuse and exploitation material includes photographs, videos, and any visual representation of a person under the age of 18, or depicted as under 18, engaging in sexually explicit conduct,” said ALERT ICE Staff Sergeant John Johnson. Mark Auger.
As of October 10, the term “child pornography” does not exist in Canada’s criminal code. It has been replaced with “Content of child sexual abuse and exploitation.”
“I’m not kidding.”
Auger could not confirm whether there was any connection between the defendant and the girls whose photos were targeted, or whether the girls were chosen at random.
“The biggest lesson we learned from today is that people need to understand that this is not a joke, this is not a prank. This is the most extreme form of bullying and it is a crime,” Auger said.
He said such incidents are becoming more prevalent as technology advances and becomes more easily accessible.
The defendant was released on several conditions ordered by the court, including not having contact with anyone under 16 except on an incidental basis through work or school, and not having an electronic device that allows him to access the internet outside of work or school.
His next court appearance is scheduled for January 8, 2026.
