EDMONTON — Alberta’s information and privacy watchdog has joined dozens of regulators worldwide in issuing a joint warning about the risks posed by artificial intelligence systems capable of generating realistic images and videos of identifiable people without consent.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta says the statement, released Monday, reflects the shared position of 61 data protection authorities raising concerns about AI generated imagery and the potential misuse of personal information, particularly involving children.
The joint statement calls on organizations developing or using AI image generation tools to introduce safeguards aimed at preventing harmful or non consensual content, including intimate imagery created without permission. It also urges companies to be transparent about how their systems operate, what protections are in place, and what consequences may follow misuse.
Regulators are also calling for accessible systems allowing individuals to request removal of harmful content and for rapid responses to those requests. The statement stresses the need for enhanced protections and clear, age appropriate information for children, parents and educators.
The initiative was coordinated through the International Enforcement Cooperation Working Group of the Global Privacy Assembly, an international body bringing together privacy regulators from around the world.
Alberta’s privacy office says it has been advocating for stronger safeguards around artificial intelligence in recent years, including submissions to the provincial government during reviews of privacy laws and guidance related to AI use in health care and other settings.
Other Canadian signatories include the federal privacy commissioner as well as privacy oversight offices in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec.
The Alberta commissioner’s office says the joint statement is intended to promote collaboration among regulators on enforcement, policy and education as governments and organizations grapple with rapidly evolving AI technologies.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner operates independently from government and oversees compliance with Alberta’s access to information and privacy legislation.
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