AI deepfake nudes of classmates
Police in Canada report that teens are using AI to turn ordinary photos of classmates into fake sexual images, and a teen has been charged with child sexual abuse material offences, so the harm falls on the girls targeted and on any teen who makes or shares the images.
Should I worry?
The images are fake, but the harm to the person shown is real, and the law treats them as child sexual abuse material. Police say these cases are becoming more common, and a teen has been charged for making and sharing them. Warning signs: your child is upset or withdrawn after a message from a classmate, is suddenly afraid of being photographed, or talks about rumours of pictures going around. A teen who makes or forwards such images can also face criminal charges. Tell your kids not to forward or save any such image, to keep their social media profiles private and to accept only people they actually know. If your child is targeted, stay calm, keep screenshots as evidence, don't blame them, report it and ask for the images to be removed.
How to join in
Most kids don't see this as exciting. Some treat it as a joke or a prank without grasping that it is sexual exploitation and a crime. The way in is a conversation about AI in general: ask what AI image tools they have seen at school, what their friends think is okay and what crosses a line. Explain that a photo posted anywhere can be misused by someone else, and that no one has to put up with it or stay silent if it happens to them.
Try saying
“Some kids are using AI to make fake nude pictures of people they know, and police are treating it as a crime. If you ever see one, or someone makes one of you, you won't be in trouble with me, and I want to hear about it. Can we talk about what you've seen going around?”
If you’re worried
If your child is in immediate danger, call 911. To report sexual images of a minor, including AI-made ones, contact Cybertip.ca. NeedHelpNow.ca helps get intimate images removed. Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868, or text 686868) is there for your child any time. If your child talks about self-harm or suicide, call or text 988.
Sources
From Mistlift, mistlift.app. Plain talk about what kids are into online.