A recent report from Canadian Press highlights a troubling trend: generative AI tools are being used to create realistic videos that promote violence and hate against vulnerable communities. One viral clip shows a Bigfoot character driving through a crowd at an LGBTQ+ parade before turning violent. Similar videos targeting LGBTQ+, Jewish, Muslim and South Asian communities have flooded social media, and experts warn that existing digital safety laws are ill‑equipped to address this new threat.
Advocacy groups like Egale Canada say the AI‑generated content is being weaponized to dehumanize marginalized groups. Evan Balgord of the Canadian Anti‑Hate Network notes that celebrating violence online increases the likelihood of real‑world attacks. Experts emphasize that Canadian regulations are lagging behind technological advances and that a comprehensive framework is needed to hold platforms accountable.
The federal government is reviewing its Online Harms Act and has established a new Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, but officials admit existing laws were not designed to address the speed and scale of generative AI. As AI tools become more accessible, researchers and advocates urge policymakers to strengthen guardrails and learn from international efforts such as the EU’s AI Act.