2 Edmonton students accused of using AI to make sexually explicit images of classmates - Global News

In June 2026, two 14-year-old students in Edmonton were charged with making and possessing child sexual exploitation materials, as well as voyeurism, following a police investigation. The case highlights the growing concern surrounding the use of artificial intelligence to generate non-consensual sexual imagery among youth.

What happened

The investigation began in late March 2026 after a teacher at an Edmonton junior high school reported allegations brought forward by students. According to Staff Sgt. Alison Church of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT), the two boys allegedly took photos of female classmates without their consent and harvested additional images from social media accounts. These photos were then processed using AI software to create sexually explicit content.

Investigators allege that the boys shared these AI-generated images with each other on their mobile phones. Const. Stephanie Bosch of the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) unit noted that the images were highly convincing, causing significant shame and embarrassment for the victims. Officials emphasized that despite the artificial nature of the content, the impact on the teenagers is profound, particularly regarding how their peers perceive them.

This incident marks the second school-related case investigated by ICE involving AI-generated exploitation materials, following a similar incident in Calgary in December 2025. ALERT is currently working to determine the specific software used to generate the images. Law enforcement and advocacy groups, including the Zebra Centre and the Saffron Centre, are providing support to the victims. Authorities are using this case to urge parents to engage in serious conversations with their children about the legal consequences of creating such materials, the risks of online grooming, and the responsible use of AI technology.