Realtor, agency apologize for AI image that altered facade of Quebec home for sale

A Quebec realtor and his agency are apologizing for using an image edited with artificial intelligence that altered the facade of a home for sale.

A Quebec realtor and his agency are apologizing for using an image edited with artificial intelligence (AI) that altered the facade of a home for sale.

The photo, for a single-family home for sale in Terrebonne, Que., utilized AI to add windows and make them, and the garage door, appear larger.

It also added a fence and bushes, removed a door and illuminated the home’s interior lights.

“The facade photo that was published was indeed retouched by the professional photographer hired by the broker, using artificial intelligence software,” said Josianne Villeneuve, a director with RE/MAX D’ICI. “The modifications made exceed what is acceptable, and the photo should not have been published.”

She goes on to say the “situation escaped the attention” of broker Jean-Michael Girard, who promptly removed the photo upon realization.

“We sincerely regret this incident,” Villeneuve tells CTV News. “We attach the utmost importance to the accurate visual representation and faithful reflection of the actual appearance of the properties we market.”

According to the real estate registry, Girard has no disciplinary actions to his name.

‘In favour’ of AI

For its part, the Organisme d’autoréglementation du courtage immobilier du Québec (OACIQ), the authority overseeing real estate brokerages in Quebec, says it is in favour of using AI, “provided it is used in an ethical and transparent manner.”

“If an image is generated or retouched using AI, this must be clearly indicated,” the organization tells CTV News. “AI must never be used to modify or conceal anything that could mislead the public.”

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The OACIQ, which says it is the “first Canadian real estate regulator to use AI in its operations,” insists that any practice that provides false, misleading or incomplete information could result in disciplinary action.

It notes that anyone who feels they have been wronged or misled by a real estate broker can contact its information centre.