Tools available to protect people from online distribution of intimate images

The province has unveiled new services to protect people who have had their intimate images and videos shared online.

Two new services were launched as the Intimate Images Protection Act came into effect Monday, Jan. 29, to help people who have had images shared without consent access self-help tools to diagnose legal issues, get information about their rights, and connect to supports.

“Circulating or threatening to distribute intimate images is sexualized violence and it can have devastating impacts,” Attorney General Nikki Sharma said.

“We are creating more legal options so that victims can get the justice they deserve on their own terms and making sure they have the tools and support to regain control of their lives.”

The province said past criminal and civil legal options for addressing images and videos shared online without consent had been limited, complex and expensive.

The new legislation will grant a Civil Resolution Tribunal the power to order a person, social media company or website to stop distributing, and remove an image or video, from its platform.

“The Intimate Images Protection Act reinforces our commitment to have robust enforcement against the unauthorized sharing of intimate images,” Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said.

“We are equipped to address these violations swiftly and effectively, enabling victims to stop the distribution of their intimate images and take back control. Perpetrators face stricter penalties, sending a clear message that this crime will not be tolerated.”

Additionally, the Civil Resolution Tribunal can order an individual to pay as much as $500 per day, or a website up to $5,000 per day, for not following the order to stop sharing.

In provincial court, those sharing the images without consent can be ordered to pay damages between $5,000 and $35,000, and the Supreme Court can award damages in excess of $35,000.

Along with providing legal options for people seeking to remove these images and videos, the province has support services available for those impacted.

The Intimate Images Protection Service can connect people with emotional support, information and resources; assist them with applying to the Civil Resolution Tribunal; and assist with communicating protection orders issued by the Tribunal.

The legislation covers intimate images and videos, near-nude images and videos, live streams, digitally altered images, and deep fakes.

People aged 14 and over can apply to the Civil Resolution Tribunal for protection orders without involving a parent or adult if they choose. Between 2014 and 2020, 48 per cent of youth victims of non-consensual distribution of intimate images were the victims of an intimate partner or friend.

According to Statistics Canada, 2020 saw an 80 per cent increase in reports to police of non-consensual sharing of intimate images in Canada compared to the previous five years.