Source: The Record

The Record highlights a disturbing trend reported by the Waterloo Regional Police Service: a significant rise in cases involving AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Investigators note that generative AI tools have made it alarmingly easy for offenders to create photorealistic images of child abuse, flooding the digital space and complicating forensic analysis. However, the article posits that Canadian law, specifically through the provisions of Bill C-63 (the Online Harms Act), is surprisingly well-positioned to handle this shift. The legislation has been updated to ensure that the creation, possession, and distribution of synthetic CSAM are treated with the same severity as material depicting actual children.

Despite the robust legal framework, the practical enforcement remains challenging. Police officials explain that distinguishing between a "real" victim and a synthetic creation requires immense time and resources, potentially diverting attention from rescuing actual children in immediate danger. The law empowers authorities to prosecute individuals creating these images regardless of whether a real child was involved, recognizing the societal harm and the normalization of abuse that such material promotes. The report underscores the need for continued investment in digital forensic tools to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI generation capabilities.