Two men are facing multiple criminal charges following a major investigation into the alleged creation and distribution of AI-generated deepfake images depicting Canadian women in violent and sexual scenarios without their consent. Ottawa Police allege that photos taken from social media accounts were manipulated using artificial intelligence to create realistic images and videos involving sexual abuse, kidnapping, torture and other disturbing content. One accused, 60-year-old Stephen Lowe of Nova Scotia, faces 79 charges including criminal harassment, uttering threats, and publishing obscene material, while a second accused, Gregory (Peter) Van Beek of Ontario, faces charges related to harassment, conspiracy, threats and publishing intimate images without consent. None of the allegations have been proven in court.
The case has affected women across Ontario, Nova Scotia and Nunavut, many of whom told CBC News they now live with fear, anxiety and lasting psychological trauma. Several victims said they discovered entire online folders dedicated to manipulated images of themselves, some depicting them as minors. Investigators allege the content was shared through websites that have since been targeted for removal, although concerns remain that copies may continue circulating online.
The case has intensified calls for stronger laws targeting AI-generated sexual deepfakes. While Canada criminalized the non-consensual sharing of intimate images in 2014, legal experts say current legislation does not adequately address AI-generated content. The federal government’s proposed Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16), currently before Parliament, would specifically criminalize the creation and distribution of sexual deepfakes. Experts argue Canada has lagged behind countries such as Australia, which introduced dedicated deepfake laws in 2024, and say stronger tools are needed to help victims quickly remove harmful content from the internet.
