Police investigating Menihek High School students alleged to have used AI to create intimate image

Menihek High School in Labrador City is co-operating with a police investigation into students alleged to have used generative artificial intelligence to create and share intimate images, CBC News has confirmed with the Department of Education.

"All allegations of physical, mental or cyber violence are taken seriously and investigated. The department is aware of allegations of students using generative AI to create and share intimate images," a statement from the department reads.

"Appropriate action will be taken pending the outcome of the investigation."

Generative AI can be used for many things, from editing a piece of writing or creating audio clips, to altering or creating fake images.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary wouldn't confirm the investigation with the school, but did confirm it has received reports, and expects to see an increase in reports about sexually altered photos across its jurisdictions.

Investigations involving young people aged 12 to 17 are guided by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

"Where youth are involved, charges could include; making, possessing, accessing, and distributing child sexual abuse and exploitation material," the RNC statement reads.

But, the investigation at Menihek High isn't isolated to Labrador West. In an email to CBC News, the RCMP said the Integrated Internet Child Exploitation Unit has encountered AI generated images and videos in its investigations.

The Department of Education also told CBC News it's "aware of reports of such activities" involving school-aged individuals in Labrador and the Avalon Peninsula region of Newfoundland.

"While such incidents may involve school-aged youth, it does not mean the activity occurred at or during school warranting school investigation or school-based discipline," a department statement reads.

"As these matters may still be considered under police investigation, we will not be providing any further information."

The RCMP couldn't provide the data or comment on files specifically.

While it’s common to see generative AI on social media, not everyone understands how it works, said Jonathan Anderson, a professor of computer engineering at Memorial University.

"Unfortunately, people are also using these in other ways to generate images of, for example, child abuse,” he said.