Her husband is accused in an AI deepfake investigation. She’s filing for divorce

On February 12, 2024, Stephen Lowe of Maitland, Nova Scotia, was arrested as part of a multijurisdictional investigation led by the Ottawa Police Service. Lowe faces 79 charges, including harassment, uttering threats, and the possession and publication of obscene and child sexual abuse material, following allegations that he created and distributed AI-generated deepfakes depicting real women in graphic, violent scenes. A second individual, Gregry Peter Van Beek of West Nipissing, Ontario, is also facing seven charges in connection to the case. None of the allegations have been proven in court.

What happened

The investigation centers on the non-consensual use of images taken from the social media profiles of Canadian women. These photos were manipulated using AI technology to create fabricated, graphic imagery including depictions of rape, torture, bondage, and kidnapping. While court documents initially identified up to 25 victims, the Ottawa Police Service currently believes that more than 50 women have been affected across Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Nunavut.

Inspector Pascal Labine of the Ottawa Police Service noted that the absence of specific legislation criminalizing the sharing of deepfakes has presented challenges for investigators. The case has sparked broader discussions regarding the need for legislative changes, such as the proposed Bill C-16, which aims to criminalize the sharing of deepfakes. Additionally, the case has highlighted the collateral impact on families of the accused, with Gwen Frankton, Lowe’s wife, speaking out about the trauma experienced by those caught in the periphery of such investigations. The victims identified in the case continue to navigate the legal process as authorities suggest that further victims may be identified and additional charges could be laid.