Authorities in Calgary have laid criminal charges against a 17-year-old high school student accused of using artificial intelligence to create sexually abusive material depicting fellow students.
Investigation Triggered by Social Media Tip
The case came to light in October 2025 when Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams' (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit received a tip. The information indicated that child sexual abuse and exploitation material had been uploaded to a social media platform.
Investigators allege the teen used AI technology to sexualize photos of teenage girls who attended various high schools in the Calgary region. The images are considered child sexual abuse material under the Criminal Code.
Search Warrant Executed, Electronics Seized
With support from the Calgary Police Service, ALERT executed a search warrant at a Calgary residence on November 13, 2025. During the search, officers confiscated multiple electronic devices, including two cell phones, a tablet, and a laptop computer.
The 17-year-old suspect, whose identity is protected under a publication ban to safeguard the victims, now faces several serious charges. These include making, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation materials, along with criminal harassment.
Court Conditions and a Warning from Police
The accused has been released from custody but must adhere to strict court-ordered conditions. These prohibit contact with anyone under 16, except incidentally through work or school. He is also barred from using any internet-capable electronics except for educational or employment purposes.
Staff Sergeant Mark Auger of ALERT ICE emphasized the severe legal consequences of such actions. "What teens need to realize is that creating these images and sharing deep fakes is considered an extreme form of bullying, and a criminal offence, and we will take action against it," Auger stated.
He clarified that under Canadian law, child sexual abuse material encompasses any visual representation of a person under 18, or depicted as under 18, engaged in explicit sexual activity.
The case also highlights a recent legal terminology update. An amendment passed by Parliament in 2024 replaced the term "child pornography" with "child sexual abuse and exploitation material" in the Criminal Code, a change that took effect in October 2025. Advocates argued the new language more accurately reflects the abuse and lack of consent involved.
The accused is scheduled to make his first court appearance on January 8, 2026. ALERT confirms that all identified victims in this investigation have been connected with appropriate support services.
Police urge anyone with information about this case or other child exploitation situations to contact their local police service or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
