Dozens of Canadian women have been targeted by AI deepfakes, with their images manipulated to create violent and sexually explicit content shared online. The victims report feeling violated and terrified after learning their photos were taken from social media and used to generate realistic fake images and videos.
The Ottawa Police Service has charged two men following a multi-jurisdictional investigation. The women, ranging in age from 24 to 64, described to CBC News the graphic imagery, including their faces in AI-generated scenes of rape, torture, and kidnapping. Some images depicted them as naked, including instances when they were minors. The women have reported experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, constantly worrying about what other deepfakes might exist. One woman, identified as C. M., stated she was disgusted that an innocent photo of herself was turned into something vile.
Deepfakes, defined as media manipulations using advanced artificial intelligence, pose a growing threat. While legislation is being considered to criminalize the non-consensual sharing of deepfake imagery, current Canadian law does not adequately address the unique harm caused by targeted deepfakes. In one Ontario case, a judge acknowledged a deepfake photo depicting a woman as topless as "morally reprehensible" but ruled that sharing such images was not criminal under existing laws.
Quebec has taken steps to counter non-consensual sharing of intimate images, including those that are altered, with a civil resolution regime allowing victims to obtain takedown orders and fines for violations. Experts advocate for modernizing image and likeness rights to safeguard individuals from digital violence and AI impersonation.
