Authorities warn parents of sexually explicit deepfakes, dangers of AI

A person uses a mobile device in this stock photo. (Adobe Stock)

Authorities are warning about an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) deepfakes in child sexual abuse investigations.

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“Anecdotally, what we’re finding is that AI is being used to create new images of other children and used as kind of this new form of cyberbullying,” said Const. Stephanie Bosch of ALERT’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit in a news release on Tuesday.

“Our team is hearing more stories about the negative effects of AI, especially when it’s used by someone with ill intent, each time we’re out in the community. It is imperative that parents are aware that this technology exists, especially with kids home this summer,” Cpl. Heather Bangle added.

Deepfakes are video, images or audio recordings that seem real, but have been created or altered using AI.

Cypertip.ca, a sexual exploitation and abuse tip line operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P), processed 4,000 sexually explicit deepfake images and videos over 12 months in 2023 and 2024.

“Even though they’re AI generated, they are child pornography. This is child sexual abuse materials. Even though it is created, it does still meet the definition,” Bosch said, adding these images can have a significant negative impact on a child’s mental health.

“Children will more often fear their social death than their actual physical death, so how they’re perceived by their peers, their family, the people in their community,” she added. “It’s just the shame and the embarrassment about having a nude image out there circulating.

Parents and guardians are advised to:

• speak to their children about their online activities;
• build trust with their children so they feel safe coming to you if something happens;
• take an interest and learn about children’s interactions online;
• show vulnerability to help create a safe space; and
• ask questions about children’s online apps, games and friends.

Bosch said, for kids, they best thing they can do is tell a trusted adult if they are the victim of a deepfake.

“You’re not alone. There is help for you,” she added. “The best thing you can do is report to police, because we have supports ... it might be an instance where we can investigate, and we can figure out who it is and we can hold them accountable.”