Alberta’s government says it’s looking to change an existing law to let people sue others for sharing fake intimate images created through artificial intelligence.

Technology Minister Nate Glubish says such images, known as deepfakes, can cause people serious harm and that changing the law should create a new layer of protection.

“We know that deepfake technology can be used in very harmful ways, and we want to make sure we’re protecting Albertans from those abuses,” Glubish told reporters Monday.

“We know that this is something Albertans care about. We’re going to take care of it.”

Alberta’s existing law, passed in 2017, lets victims of non-consensual sharing of intimate images sue for damages and seek injunctions to prevent further distribution. The law is limited to pictures or videos of individuals who are nude, partially nude or engaged in sexual activity.

Glubish’s office said that in addition to deepfakes, audio recordings are also expected to be added to the law.

On her radio call-in show Saturday, Premier Danielle Smith said she has been worried about deepfakes.

Glubish said he’s aiming to have the legislation ready by the fall.

Corinne Ofstie, a co-chief executive officer of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, said the legal changes are important and necessary.

“It’s a form of sexual violence, and that has lasting impacts,” Ofstie said.

“Just because it’s synthetic does not mean it doesn’t have the very same profound real world harm, including trauma, reputational damage and safety risks.”

Kristine Cassie, chief executive officer of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre in Lethbridge, agreed and said she’s happy the province is looking to take action.

“We see it here. We see it in rural communities. I think it’s happening all over the place,” Cassie said of deepfake images being created of unsuspecting people.

Cassie, who has been calling for the changes described by Glubish for the past two years, said Alberta’s current rules around deepfakes are lagging compared with other provinces.

Saskatchewan updated its rules in 2021 to cover images “altered in any way, made by any means.” Manitoba, British Columbia and Quebec updated their legislation in 2024.

It’s better late than never for Alberta to take action, said Cassie, and she hopes the province also reduces the burden of proof for such cases and makes it easier for victims to get interim stop orders.

“This has to have some teeth to it, and we have to be able to move forward and really address the ills that are happening in our society this way,” she said.

Cassie said she hopes Alberta and Ottawa work together to “synthesize” laws across jurisdictions. The federal government is currently debating a bill that would make distributing intimate or pornographic deepfake images a Criminal Code offence.

If passed, Ottawa’s bill would also cover threats to distribute such images. Glubish’s office said it’s something being considered for Alberta’s legislation too.

Rakhi Pancholi, deputy leader of Alberta’s Opposition NDP, said her party would support the changes proposed by Glubish but wants to read the proposed legislation before making that commitment.

“By all means, this is something that we share the objectives on,” she said.

Alberta consulting with school boards on AI use: Smith

Smith said on her radio show that the province is consulting with school boards on possibly introducing limitations on the use of AI in schools. But she also said the technology has a role in the classroom.

“One of the things AI can do is it can be really helpful in helping all of our newcomers who have different language learning capacities,” the premier said during “Your Province, Your Premier” on QR Calgary and 880 CHED.

Smith said Alberta students speak more than 140 languages.

AI programs could be especially beneficial for newcomers in high school to learn English while working towards graduation, Smith said.

Glubish said that any limitations — or expanded adoption — of AI in schools would be done under separate legislation.

The premier said she and her ministers use AI, specifically OpenAI’s ChatGPT software, frequently in their day-to-day work.

“It’s really been very helpful for me to understand what’s going on in the world and to see if there are policies that are taking place elsewhere that we should be adopting here,” Smith said.