A recent investigation into the circulation of AI-generated nude photos of underage girls at a Winnipeg school has highlighted gaps in Canadian law when it comes to addressing sexualized deepfakes. The incident, which took place at Collège Béliveau in late 2020, involved the sharing of explicitly altered images of female students on social media.
The investigation by Winnipeg police concluded this week, with no charges being laid. The Louis Riel School Division, which includes Collège Béliveau, did not disclose the number of photos shared, the number of girls victimized, or whether the individuals responsible for creating the images had been identified.
According to Suzie Dunn, an assistant law professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, Canadian laws on sharing intimate images without consent should also cover deepfakes. However, the term “altered images” is not explicitly mentioned in many existing laws, leaving a gap in addressing such cases. Dunn believes that incidents like the one at Collège Béliveau are rare, making it difficult for lawmakers to update legislation accordingly.
The incident in Winnipeg is not the only case of its kind in Canada. Last year, a man in Quebec was sentenced to over three years in prison for producing synthetic videos of child pornography using artificial intelligence. However, these laws may not cover the specific circumstances of the Collège Béliveau incident.
This case highlights the need for comprehensive education on the effects of sharing intimate and altered images, as well as the legal consequences of online behavior. Currently, Manitoba’s curriculum, along with many other provinces, does not recognize that sexual violence can occur online. Kaitlynn Mendes, an associate professor of sociology at Western University, emphasizes the importance of equipping students with knowledge about their rights and sources of support.
The Louis Riel School Division plans to address these issues by providing in-class presentations on responsible internet use and consent for students. They also intend to organize presentations for parents in the near future. The incident has underscored the need for comprehensive learning about safe and healthy relationships, as well as responsible online conduct.
In conclusion, the Winnipeg school incident has exposed the gaps in Canadian law when it comes to addressing sexualized deepfakes. It highlights the importance of educating students about the consequences of sharing intimate and altered images and prompts a call for necessary changes in the curriculum to address online sexual violence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the recent investigation in Winnipeg about?
A: The investigation involves the circulation of AI-generated nude photos of underage girls at Collège Béliveau school in Winnipeg, Canada.
Q: What happened in the incident at Collège Béliveau?
A: Explicitly altered images of female students were shared on social media without their consent.
Q: Were any charges laid in the investigation?
A: No charges were laid in the investigation carried out by the Winnipeg police.
Q: Has the Louis Riel School Division disclosed any details about the incident?
A: The school division did not disclose the number of photos shared, the number of girls victimized, or whether the individuals responsible for creating the images had been identified.
Q: Should Canadian laws cover deepfakes?
A: Yes, according to Suzie Dunn, an assistant law professor at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, Canadian laws on sharing intimate images without consent should also cover deepfakes.
Q: Are incidents like the one at Collège Béliveau common?
A: No, incidents like this are rare, making it difficult for lawmakers to update legislation accordingly.
Q: Has there been any similar cases in Canada?
A: Yes, there have been cases in Canada where individuals have been charged for producing synthetic videos of child pornography using artificial intelligence.
Q: Does the current curriculum in Canadian provinces recognize online sexual violence?
A: Currently, Manitoba’s curriculum, along with many other provinces, does not recognize that sexual violence can occur online.
Q: How does the Louis Riel School Division plan to address the issues raised by the incident?
A: The school division plans to provide in-class presentations on responsible internet use and consent for students, as well as organize presentations for parents.
Definitions:
– Deepfakes: Artificially altered videos or images that use AI technology to create realistic but fake content.
– Synthetic videos: Videos produced using artificial intelligence to create manipulated or altered scenes.
Suggested Related Links:
– Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law
– Winnipeg Police
– Louis Riel School Division
– Western University Sociology Department
The source of the article is from the blog dk1250.com