News release

Northwest Territories RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit charges two youth in AI child sexual abuse and exploitation material case

April 2, 2026 - Northwest Territories, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

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Two youths in the Northwest Territories have been charged after an investigation undertaken by the G Division Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit.

Last month, the RCMP received a report that two youths had obtained social media photos of a number of other youths and used artificial intelligence to alter the photos, making them appear nude. The photos were subsequently shared amongst the two suspects.

These actions constitute an offence within the meaning of the Criminal Code of Canada and an investigation was launched by the G Division ICE Unit, with support from the Specialized Response Unit, Territorial Crime Reduction Unit and Major Crimes Unit.

Both youth suspects were arrested and electronic devices were seized. Each suspect was charged with:

• Making child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(2) of the Criminal Code
• Transmitting child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(3) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of child sexual abuse and exploitation material, contrary to section 163.1(4) of the Criminal Code

Both appeared before a Justice of the Peace and were later released subject to several conditions to appear in court at a later date.

The RCMP reminds the public that under the Criminal Code of Canada, Section 163.1(1)(a) defines child sexual abuse and exploitation material broadly to include any visual material that depicts nudity for a sexual purpose or describes sexual activity involving a person under the age of 18, or that is depicted as being of a person under 18. The law includes material produced through photography, videography, illustration, or computer-generated imagery — including images and videos created or altered using AI.

Some individuals may mistakenly believe that AI-generated or digitally created images — especially those that do not depict a real person — are outside the reach of the law. They are not.

The courts and the Criminal Code are clear: the harm caused by Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Material (CSAEM) extends beyond any individual victim. This material normalizes the sexual exploitation of children, fuels demand for actual abuse and contributes to a range of broader harm. The law is designed to address that harm regardless of how the material was produced.

The Northwest Territories RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation Unit actively investigates offences involving CSAEM, including AI-generated content. They work closely with a network of partners and specialized digital tools to identify and take action against offenders.

Individuals who produce, possess or share this material should have no expectations that their activity will go undetected.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on offences of this nature are encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment.

Contacts