MONTREAL, Oct. 26, 2026 /CNW/ -- Despite legislative progress, Canada and Mexico still face significant challenges in protecting people affected by AI-facilitated non-consensual intimate images (NCIIs). In a new joint report, IVADO and Eon Institute compare the approaches taken by these two federal states, which have distinct political systems but share challenges in the division of powers and operate within the same North American economic space, where major US-based digital platforms wield considerable influence.
The report, Closing the Gaps: Addressing AI-Facilitated Non-Consensual Intimate Images in Canada and Mexico, highlights ongoing challenges in prevention, access to justice, and platform accountability, and proposes courses of action to better protect those affected.
With the rise of generative AI, creating and distributing intimate images without consent has become more accessible, particularly through sexually explicit deepfakes. This form of technology-facilitated violence can undermine people's dignity, privacy, and safety, with significant social, economic, and professional consequences. Women are particularly targeted: in 2023, 99% of deepfake videos identified online depicted women. Minors, racialized women, and Indigenous people also face significant barriers to obtaining support and accessing justice.
In Canada, legislative changes adopted in June 2026 reflect efforts to better address these harms, while the regulation of digital platforms remains under consideration. In Mexico, despite the existence of the Ley Olimpia, law enforcement varies across states, and specialized capacity remains limited. In both countries, challenges persist in implementing measures and ensuring access to justice. In Mexico, according to the report, only 0.5% of complaints related to these images make it to court.
From Assessment to Action: The Need for International Regulation
Passing laws is not enough to ensure effective protection. The report recommends strengthening specialized training for law enforcement and judicial personnel, improving reporting mechanisms and support for survivors, accelerating the removal of images, and better coordinating responses. It also calls on Canada and Mexico to work together to establish minimum standards for digital platform accountability, given that these platforms often operate across national borders.
Commissioned by IVADO as part of its efforts to strengthen Canada–Mexico cooperation on AI, the report was written by Daniela Rojas and Claudia Del Pozo, with contributions from Nicté Cabañas of Eon Institute, under the direction of Amélie Côté of IVADO. It draws on a comparative analysis of the two countries' legal frameworks and public policies, as well as nine interviews with Canadian and Mexican experts.
Quotes
"Artificial intelligence must serve humanity and the common good. When its uses undermine people's dignity, rights, and safety, it is essential that states, particularly middle powers such as Canada and Mexico, work together to prevent harm and hold the relevant actors accountable. This requires clear rules, institutions capable of enforcing them, and AI governance that puts people at the centre of decision-making."
-- Professor Catherine Régis, Director of Social Innovation and International Policy at IVADO; holder of the Canada CIFAR AI Chair at Mila and the FRQ Chair in Science Diplomacy and Global AI Governance
"AI-facilitated non-consensual intimate images know no borders, and protection mechanisms struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. Canada and Mexico have introduced promising initiatives, including Mexico's Ley Olimpia, but current responses remain largely insufficient. It is essential to strengthen prevention measures and protections for victims, while also placing greater emphasis on holding digital platforms accountable."
-- Claudia Del Pozo, Founder and Director of Eon Institute
Read the report in French, English, and Spanish >>
Building on this work, IVADO and CEIMIA will host Democracies Under Pressure from AI, a free morning of talks and discussions bringing together interdisciplinary experts on October 28 at the Grande Bibliothèque (BAnQ) in Montreal. Claudia Del Pozo, Founder of Eon Institute, will participate in a panel on AI and digital violence targeting women in politics. Learn more and register.
About IVADO
IVADO is the largest interdisciplinary research, training, and knowledge mobilization consortium in artificial intelligence in Quebec and Canada. Led by the Université de Montréal, alongside four university partners (Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval, and McGill University), IVADO brings together a broad research community and academic, government, and industry partners around the R3AI project. It works to foster the adoption and development of robust, reasoning, and responsible AI for the benefit of society.
About Eon Institute
Eon Institute is a Mexican think tank working at the intersection of technology and society. Its mission is to help Latin America navigate technological transformations and build resilient societies. Through research, multi-stakeholder dialogue, advisory services, and training, Eon Institute develops public policy recommendations and strategies that enable the region to address technological challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
SOURCE IVADO
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