The RNC calls an increase in reports of AI-altered and generated sexual content being shared a worrying trend.

Images are being altered using AI tools, often showing young people in compromising and sexualized situations.

RNC Constable Steph Myers says while it can be done with any image, many of the cases coming to their attention of late involves young people.

“It’s when an image, that is not sexual in nature, so…let’s say a group of teens at a party, (is) being altered to make it sexual in nature. So, AI is being used to…strip them of their clothing, have them appear nude in the image, and that image is being shared around as if its the original image.”

RNC are currently investigating a recent incident involving a local school community.

This is Sexual Abuse and Assault Violence Awareness Week.

Constable Myers says altering photos using AI to create sexual content without consent is a crime, and sharing those photos and images, even if you didn’t create them, is also a crime.

Myers says the RNC is fanning out among schools to make students aware of how serious the situation is, and the criminal consequences.

“I know a couple of our officers have started doing presentations on this, because it’s…unfortunately a prevalent issue that we’re facing, and it’s important for youth to be aware of it.” She says it’s also important for parents and guardians to have those conversations with teens and young people.