Bill to criminalize AI sexual deepfakes will include ‘nearly nude’ images

Canada’s House of Commons justice committee has updated Bill C-16 to broaden its scope on AI-generated sexual deepfakes, now including 'nearly nude' images. The amendment, proposed by Conservative MP Andrew Lawton, addresses concerns that the original bill’s definition—limited to fully nude, sexually explicit, or organ-exposed content—failed to cover AI-altered images like those created by Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot. These images, such as edits depicting women in see-through bikinis, were deemed outside the original legal framework despite their non-consensual and potentially traumatizing nature. The committee approved Lawton’s amendment after witness testimony and personal accounts highlighted the harm caused by such content. Liberal MP Patricia Lattanzio supported the change, stating it clarifies the offense and aligns with evolving legal standards. However, Bloc Québécois MP Rhéal Fortin opposed it, arguing 'nearly nude' lacks a precise definition. Another amendment explicitly references AI software in the definition of 'intimate image' to ensure future-proofing against technological advancements. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for deepfakes depicting sexual assault and a 48-hour mandatory takedown requirement for platforms hosting such material. Lawton emphasized this would hold tech companies accountable, though a government expert noted its practical impact remains uncertain. Meanwhile, NDP MP Leah Gazan’s proposal to target sexualized or humiliating images—such as those showing women covered in blood or bruises—was rejected. Bill C-16, part of Canada’s broader criminal justice overhaul, now proceeds to the Senate for further review before potential enactment. Beyond deepfakes, it restores mandatory minimum sentences and criminalizes coercive control, forming part of the Liberal government’s three-pronged legislative push. The bill’s passage hinges on parliamentary approval, with ongoing debates over its balance between addressing technological abuse and maintaining legal clarity.